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How does Taltz work?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 31, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

The active ingredient in Taltz, ixekizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting the inflammatory response in adults with plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Taltz selectively binds with interleukin 17A (IL-17A) cytokine, a naturally occurring substance that can cause inflammation. Taltz inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by inhibiting the interaction of IL-17A with the IL-17 receptor.

Taltz affects the immune system. It may increase the risk of infections, which can be serious. Taltz should not be used in patients who have any symptoms of infection, unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Read next

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are man-made proteins that mimic the natural antibodies produced by our immune systems. Monoclonal antibodies can be formulated into medicines to treat various types of illnesses, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Continue reading

Taltz and Cosentyx are similar in the way they work, their side effects, and their potential for interactions, but Taltz does appear to provide patients with psoriatic arthritis (PA) with more quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared with Cosentyx at a marginally lower cost. Cosentyx may have a quicker onset of effect. Continue reading

Treatment with Taltz (ixekizumab) starts to improve symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis within about 1-2 weeks, according to clinical trial results. After 12 weeks, nearly 90% of patients will have significantly clearer skin. Continue reading

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