Lilly receives EU approval for new plaque psoriasis drug Taltz

Lilly has been granted European regulatory approval for Taltz, a new monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

The ixekizumab-based therapy works by binding to a protein, interleukin-17A, that is responsible for causing inflammation. This inhibits the inflammatory response that plays a role in the development of plaque psoriasis.

Approval from the European Commission was supported by the findings of seven clinical trials, including three pivotal phase III studies, which collectively evaluated more than 3,800 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis from 21 countries.

It will be available for moderate to severe cases of the disease among patients who are candidates for systemic therapy. This approval follows Taltz's ratification by the US Food and Drug Administration last month.

Andrew Hotchkiss, president of Lilly's European and Canadian businesses, said: "Lilly is excited to make ixekizumab available in the EU for physicians looking to provide a new treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis."

The firm also received EU approval for Portrazza, its new treatment for advanced lung cancer, earlier this year.