Products
Ixekizumab was approved in the United States, the EU, and many countries in 2016 as a solution for injection in a prefilled pen and syringe (Taltz).
Structure and properties
Ixekizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody with a molecular mass of 146 kDa produced by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Ixekizumab (ATC L04AC13) has immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. It binds with high affinity to interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and inhibits interaction with the IL-17 receptor. IL-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by Th17 helper cells and is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Binding of the antibody results in inhibition of keratinocyte activation and proliferation. The half-life is 13 days.
Indications
For the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (psoriasis).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is injected subcutaneously.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Clinically relevant active infections, such as active tuberculosis
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Treatment with ixekizumab may potentially normalize (increase) dysregulated CYP450 enzyme levels.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include upper respiratory tract infection and injection site reactions.
