You may have
heard about Taltz (also known as ixekizumab), a biologic medication approved last
year for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.
The National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence has today published its Final
Appraisal Determination on the use of Taltz for psoriatic arthritis in England
and Wales. Taltz is recommended to treat psoriatic arthritis in the following
circumstances:
The psoriatic
arthritis is ‘active and progressive’ – for example, if you have three or more
tender joints, and three or more swollen joints
The psoriatic
arthritis has not responded well to at least two treatments from the conventional systemic DMARD
category
The psoriatic
arthritis has not responded well, or has stopped responding, to a biologic
treatment from the Anti-TNF category
Taltz binds to a cytokine (chemical messenger) called
interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which is involved in the body’s inflammatory and
immune responses. By binding to IL-17A, Taltz inhibits its action (ie. stops it
from working as it usually does). This means Taltz interrupts the inflammatory
cycle of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which can lead to the improvement
in symptoms for many people who take it.
Like other
biologic treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Taltz is taken via
injection. It is an immunosuppressive treatment – meaning it reduces the
activity of part of the immune system thought to be involved in
psoriasis. You can read more information on the action of Taltz, as well
as its dosing regime and possible side effects by downloading our information sheet.