
Taltz (ixekizumab) is a humanized interleukin-17A antagonist.
Taltz is specifically indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.
Taltz is supplied as a solution for subcutaneous injection. The recommended dose is 160 mg by subcutaneous injection (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0, followed by 80 mg every 4 weeks. cDMARDs (e.g., sulfasalazine), corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or analgesics may be used during treatment with Taltz.
FDA Approval
The FDA approval of Taltz for Ankylosing Spondylitis was based on two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies that included 657 adult patients with active AS: COAST-V in patients who are biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD)-naïve and COAST-W in patients who previously had an inadequate response or were intolerant to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.
In both studies, the primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients at 16 weeks achieving Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society 40 (ASAS40) response compared to placebo. ASAS40 measures disease signs and symptoms such as pain, inflammation and function. Results from both studies demonstrated that patients treated with Taltz achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in signs and symptoms, as defined by ASAS40 response, compared to placebo. At 16 weeks, patients achieved ASAS40 at the following response rates:
Additionally, patients treated with Taltz demonstrated statistically significant improvements in key secondary endpoints in both studies, including the proportion of patients at 16 weeks achieving ASAS20 at the following response rates:
Adverse effects associated with the use of Taltz may include, but are not limited to, the following:
injection site reactions
upper respiratory tract infections
nausea
tinea infections
Taltz should not be used in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity, such as anaphylaxis, to ixekizumab or to any of the excipients. Taltz may increase the risk of infection. Other warnings and precautions for Taltz include pre-treatment evaluation for tuberculosis, hypersensitivity, inflammatory bowel disease, and immunizations.
Taltz (ixekizumab) is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds with the interleukin 17A (IL-17A) cytokine and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor. IL-17A is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Ixekizumab inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
For additional information regarding Taltz or active ankylosing spondylitis, please visit the Taltz web page.