Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Taltz (ixekizumab)

Humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds IL-17A cytokine and inhibits its interaction with IL-17 receptor.

Ixekizumab (Taltz) is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody antagonist of IL-17A indicated for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (ages 6+), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. The drug demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetics with a 13-day half-life, achieves steady-state by Week 8, and exhibits dose-proportional kinetics with bioavailability of 60-81% following subcutaneous injection. Common adverse reactions include injection site reactions (17%), upper respiratory tract infections (14%), nausea (2%), and tinea infections (2%), with serious adverse events occurring in 2% of treated subjects. The primary safety concern is infection risk, requiring monitoring and contraindication in patients with serious hypersensitivity reactions to the drug or its excipients.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Ixekizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to interleukin 17A (IL-17A), a naturally occurring cytokine involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. By binding to IL-17A, ixekizumab inhibits the interaction between IL-17A and the IL-17 receptor, thereby blocking a key pathway in inflammatory signaling. This mechanism results in the inhibition of the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reducing the inflammatory response in conditions such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Approved indications

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Erythrodermic psoriasis
• Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
• Plaque psoriasis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Pustular psoriasis

Common side effects

• Nasopharyngitis
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Tonsillitis
• Arthralgia
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cellulitis
• Weight decreased
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Oropharyngeal pain

Key clinical trials

• A Study of Switching to Picankibart in Chinese Patients With Plaque Psoriasis With an Inadequate Response to Interleukin-17 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (PHASE3)
• A Study of Ixekizumab (LY2439821) in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Categories of Enthesitis-related Arthritis (Including Juvenile Onset Ankylosing Spondylitis) and Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis (PHASE3)
• A Study to Investigate the Effectiveness of Tirzepatide (LY3298176) Following Initiation of Ixekizumab (LY2439821) in Participants With Moderate-to-Severe Plaque PsO and Obesity or Overweight in Clinical Practice (TOGETHER AMPLIFY-PsO) (PHASE4)
• Dose Reduction of IL17 and IL23 Inhibitors in Psoriasis (PHASE4)
• Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry
• Proactive TDM Versus Standard Use of Biologics in Psoriasis (PHASE4)
• Combination of Biologic and Anti-obesity Therapies in Psoriatic Arthritis (NA)
• A Study to Investigate Effectiveness of Tirzepatide Following Initiation of Ixekizumab in Participants With Active Psoriatic Arthritis and Overweight or Obesity in Clinical Practice (TOGETHER AMPLIFY-PsA) (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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