Ixekizumab for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Description of the technology

Ixekizumab (Taltz, Eli Lilly) is an antibody that inhibits IL‑17A (interleukin-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine).

Marketing authorisation

Ixekizumab is 'indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy'.

Adverse reactions

The most common adverse reactions with ixekizumab in clinical trials were upper respiratory tract infection and injection-site reactions (occurring in at least 10% of people). For full details of adverse reactions and contraindications, see the summary of product characteristics.

Recommended dose and schedule

By subcutaneous injection; 160 mg at week 0, followed by 80 mg every 2 weeks until week 12. After week 12, 80 mg every 4 weeks.

Price

The list price is £1,125 for 80 mg, and £2,250 for 2×80 mg.

The company has agreed a patient access scheme with the Department of Health. This scheme provides a simple discount to the list price of ixekizumab, with the discount applied at the point of purchase or invoice. The level of the discount is commercial in confidence. The Department of Health considered that this patient access scheme does not constitute an excessive administrative burden on the NHS.