Ixekizumab (Taltz)

Ixekizumab, also known as Taltz, is an injectable medication that belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. It is used to treat various autoimmune diseases, such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. These are chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the skin, joints and spine. How does Ixekizumab work? Ixekizumab works by blocking the action of a protein called interleukin 17A (IL-17A), which is involved in the immune system’s response to inflammation. By inhibiting IL-17A, ixekizumab reduces the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as redness, scaling, itching, pain and stiffness. What are the benefits of Ixekizumab? Ixekizumab has been shown to be effective in improving the quality of life of patients with autoimmune diseases. Studies have demonstrated that ixekizumab can: – Achieve a 75% or more reduction in the severity and area of skin affected by plaque psoriasis in 82-89% of patients after 12 weeks of treatment – Clear or nearly clear the skin of 82% of patients with plaque psoriasis after 12 weeks of treatment – Reduce the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, such as joint swelling, tenderness and stiffness – Improve the physical function and mobility of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis – Maintain its effectiveness for up to 60 weeks or longer with continuous treatment How is Ixekizumab administered? Ixekizumab is available as a pre-filled syringe or a pen injector that can be used to inject the medication under the skin. The recommended dose is 160 mg (two injections) as the first dose, followed by 80 mg every two weeks for the first 12 weeks and every four weeks thereafter. The treatment should be supervised by a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases. The doctor may decide to stop the treatment if there is no improvement after 16 to 20 weeks. What are the possible side effects of Ixekizumab? The most common side effects of ixekizumab include: – Upper respiratory infections, such as colds, sinusitis and bronchitis – Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, swelling and itching – Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and thrush Some rare but serious side effects of ixekizumab include: – Allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, swelling and difficulty breathing – Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis – Tuberculosis or other serious infections Ixekizumab should not be used by patients who have active tuberculosis or other severe infections. Patients should inform their doctor if they have a history of infections, allergies or inflammatory bowel disease before starting ixekizumab. Patients should also monitor their symptoms and report any signs of infection, allergic reaction or worsening of their condition to their doctor. How much does Ixekizumab cost? The price of ixekizumab may vary depending on the country, supplier and insurance coverage. The following table shows the average price of ixekizumab in different countries based on online sources (as of October 2023):

Country	Price per injection (80 mg)	Reference
USA	$5,000	Drugs.com
UK	£1,000	BNF
Australia	$2,500	PBS
Canada	$4,000	DrugBank
UAE	$4,500	Medicines.org.ae

Table 1: Average price of ixekizumab in different countries What are the top 5 global brands of Ixekizumab? Ixekizumab is marketed under the brand name Taltz by Eli Lilly and Co. in most countries. However, there are also some other brands of ixekizumab available in different regions, such as: – Ilumetri, marketed by Almirall in Europe – Ilumya, marketed by Sun Pharma in India and the USA – Ixifi, marketed by Pfizer in China – Ixekin, marketed by Hetero in India – Ixora, marketed by Glenmark in India Conclusion Ixekizumab is a novel treatment for autoimmune diseases that works by blocking the action of IL-17A, a protein that causes inflammation. It has been proven to be effective in improving the symptoms and quality of life of patients with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. It is administered as an injection under the skin every two to four weeks. The most common side effects are infections, injection site reactions and fungal infections. The price of ixekizumab may vary depending on the country and insurance coverage. Ixekizumab is sold under the brand name Taltz by Eli Lilly and Co. in most countries, but there are also some other brands available in different regions.