Eli Lilly and Company's Taltz (ixekizumab) injection 80 mg/mL for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis is now available by prescription order through a contracted network of specialty pharmacies in the United States. Lilly is also offering patient support programs to help ensure eligible patients have access to Taltz and available resources.
                                                                     
Taltz was FDA-approved in March 2016 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systematic therapy or phototherapy. Taltz is contraindicated in patients with previous hypersensitivity reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to ixekizumab or to any of the excipients. Taltz is designed to specifically target IL-17A.
 
In three pivotal studies, at 12 weeks, 87 to 90 percent of patients treated with Taltz saw a significant improvement of their psoriasis plaques (PASI 75).  In addition, 81 to 83 percent of patients treated with Taltz achieved sPGA 0 or 1. The majority of patients treated with Taltz, 68 to 71 percent, achieved virtually clear skin (PASI 90) and 35 to 42 percent of patients saw complete resolution of their psoriasis plaques (PASI 100, sPGA 0). Among those patients treated with placebo, 7 percent or fewer achieved PASI 75, 7 percent or fewer achieved sPGA 0 or 1, 3 percent or fewer achieved PASI 90 and 1 percent or fewer achieved PASI 100 and sPGA 0.
 
Taltz may increase the risk of infection. In trials, the rate of infection in the Taltz group was 27 percent vs. 23 percent in the placebo group. Serious infections have occurred. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms of clinically important chronic or acute infection occur. If a serious infection develops, monitor the patient closely and discontinue Taltz until the infection resolves.
 
“Many people with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis are searching for a treatment that will help them achieve high levels of clear skin. With Taltz now available, physicians and patients have a new treatment option that may help patients experience virtually or completely clear skin,” said Alex Azar, president, Lilly USA, LLC. “Lilly is committed to providing education and resources to help make Taltz accessible to people with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.”
 
The Taltz Together program will provide interested patients with injection training, guidance on navigating insurance benefits, and working with a contracted network of specialty pharmacies to help fill Taltz prescriptions. Patients will also have access to a Companion in CareTM, a personal patient representative to answer questions and concerns, with each patient receiving attention from the same specialist during each call. For more information about Taltz Together, patients can contact 1-844-TALTZ-NOW (1-844-825-8966).  
 
“The availability of new treatments like Taltz is vitally important for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis,” said Randy Beranek, president of the National Psoriasis Foundation. “The effects of psoriasis can vary among patients and what works for one patient may not work for another. We are happy to see more options available so patients can continue treating this very difficult disease.”
 
Physicians, pharmacists or other healthcare professionals with questions about Taltz should contact The Lilly Answers Center at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or visit www.lilly.com.