FDA approves Lilly's plaque psoriasis treatment Taltz

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it had approved Eli Lilly and Co.’s new drug Taltz (ixekizumab). The drug is indicated to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. 

 

Taltz uses an antibody to bind to an inflammation-causing protein, inhibiting the inflammatory response that can contribute to plaque psoriasis development. The injectable drug is recommended for patients who are candidates for systemic therapy, phototherapy or a combination of the two. Taltz is being approved with a medication guide to inform patients about the potential risk for infection or an allergic or autoimmune condition, as it affects the immune system. 

 

“Today’s approval provides patients suffering from plaque psoriasis with another important treatment option to help relieve the skin irritation and discomfort from the condition,” said Dr. Julie Beitz, director of the Office of Drug Evaluation III in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.