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TALTZ
(ixekizumab) injection, for subcutaneous use
Ixekizumab is a humanized immunoglobulin G subclass 4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody (mAb) with neutralizing activity against IL-17A. Ixekizumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a recombinant mammalian cell line and purified using standard technology for bioprocessing. Ixekizumab is comprised of two identical light chain polypeptides of 219 amino acids each and two identical heavy chain polypeptides of 445 amino acids each, and has a molecular weight of 146,158 Daltons for the protein backbone of the molecule.
TALTZ injection is a sterile, preservative free, clear and colorless to slightly yellow solution, for subcutaneous use available as 80 mg of ixekizumab in a 1 mL single-dose prefilled autoinjector or a single-dose prefilled syringe. The prefilled autoinjector and prefilled syringe each contain a 1 mL glass syringe with a fixed 27 gauge ½ inch needle. The TALTZ 80 mg prefilled autoinjector and prefilled syringe are manufactured to deliver 80 mg of ixekizumab.
Each mL is composed of ixekizumab (80 mg); Citric Acid Anhydrous, USP (0.51 mg); Polysorbate 80, USP (0.3 mg); Sodium Chloride, USP (11.69 mg); Sodium Citrate Dihydrate, USP (5.11 mg); and Water for Injection, USP. The TALTZ solution has a pH of 5.3 – 6.1.
TALTZ® is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
TALTZ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.
TALTZ is administered by subcutaneous injection. The recommended dose is 160 mg (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0, followed by 80 mg at Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, then 80 mg every 4 weeks.
The recommended dose is 160 mg by subcutaneous injection (two 80 mg injections) at Week 0, followed by 80 mg every 4 weeks.
For psoriatic arthritis patients with coexistent moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, use the dosing regimen for plaque psoriasis [see Plaque Psoriasis].
TALTZ may be administered alone or in combination with a conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (cDMARD) (e.g., methotrexate).
Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with TALTZ [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
There are two presentations for TALTZ (i.e., autoinjector and prefilled syringe). The TALTZ “Instructions for Use” for each presentation contains more detailed instructions on the preparation and administration of TALTZ [see Instructions for Use].
TALTZ is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. Patients may self-inject after training in subcutaneous injection technique using the autoinjector or prefilled syringe. Administer each injection at a different anatomic location (such as upper arms, thighs or any quadrant of abdomen) than the previous injection, and not into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, erythematous, indurated or affected by psoriasis. Administration of TALTZ in the upper, outer arm may be performed by a caregiver or healthcare provider.
If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, resume dosing at the regular scheduled time.
Before injection, remove TALTZ autoinjector or TALTZ prefilled syringe from the refrigerator and allow TALTZ to reach room temperature (30 minutes) without removing the needle cap.
Inspect TALTZ visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. TALTZ is a clear and colorless to slightly yellow solution. Do not use if the liquid contains visible particles, is discolored or cloudy (other than clear and colorless to slightly yellow). TALTZ does not contain preservatives, therefore discard any unused product remaining in the autoinjector or prefilled syringe.
Instruct patients using the autoinjector or prefilled syringe to inject the full amount (1 mL), which provides 80 mg of TALTZ, according to the directions provided in the Instructions for Use [see Instructions for Use].
TALTZ is a clear and colorless to slightly yellow solution available as: Autoinjector
TALTZ injection is a sterile, preservative free, clear and colorless to slightly yellow solution available in a single-dose prefilled autoinjector or a single-dose prefilled syringe to deliver 80 mg ixekizumab.
TALTZ is supplied as:
| Pack Size | NDC Code | |
| Autoinjector | ||
| 80 mg single-dose | Carton of 1 | 0002-1445-11 |
| 80 mg single-dose | Carton of 2 | 0002-1445-27 |
| 80 mg single-dose | Carton of 3 | 0002-1445-09 |
| Prefilled syringe | ||
| 80 mg single-dose | Carton of 1 | 0002-7724-11 |
TALTZ is sterile and preservative-free. Discard any unused portion.
Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA. Product of Ireland. Revised: May 2018
The following adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying and controlled conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Three placebo-controlled trials in subjects with plaque psoriasis were integrated to evaluate the safety of TALTZ compared to placebo for up to 12 weeks. A total of 1167 subjects (mean age 45 years; 66% men; 94% White) with plaque psoriasis received TALTZ (160 mg at Week 0, 80 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W] for 12 weeks) subcutaneously. In two of the trials, the safety of TALTZ (use up to 12 weeks) was also compared with an active comparator, U.S. approved etanercept [see Clinical Studies].
In the 12-week, placebo-controlled period, adverse events occurred in 58% of the TALTZ Q2W group (2.5 per subject-year of follow-up) compared with 47% of the placebo group (2.1 per subject-year of follow-up). Serious adverse events occurred in 2% of the TALTZ group (0.07 per subject-year of follow-up), and in 2% of the placebo group (0.07 per subject-year of follow-up).
Table 1 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred at a rate of at least 1% and at a higher rate in the TALTZ group than in the placebo group during the 12-week placebo-controlled period of the pooled clinical trials.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of
the TALTZ Group and More Frequently than in the Placebo Group in the Plaque
Psoriasis Clinical Trials through Week 12
| Adverse Reactions | TALTZ 80 mg Q2W (N=1167) n (%) |
Etanerceptb (N=287) n(%) |
Placebo (N=791) n (%) |
| Injection site reactions | 196 (17) | 32 (11) | 26 (3) |
| Upper respiratory tract infectionsa | 163 (14) | 23 (8) | 101 (13) |
| Nausea | 23 (2) | 1 (<1) | 5 (1) |
| Tinea infections | 17 (2) | 0 | 1 (<1) |
| a Upper respiratory tract infections cluster
includes nasopharyngitis and rhinovirus infection. b U.S. approved etanercept. |
|||
Adverse reactions that occurred at rates less than 1% in the TALTZ group and more frequently than in the placebo group during the 12-week induction period included rhinitis, oral candidiasis, urticaria, influenza, conjunctivitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and angioedema.
A total of 332 subjects received the recommended maintenance regimen of TALTZ 80 mg dosed every 4 weeks.
During the maintenance period (Weeks 13 to 60), adverse events occurred in 80% of subjects treated with TALTZ (1.0 per subject-year of follow-up) compared to 58% of subjects treated with placebo (1.1 per subject-year of follow-up). Serious adverse events were reported in 4% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.05 per subject-year of follow-up) and none in the subjects treated with placebo.
Over the entire treatment period (Weeks 0 to 60), adverse events were reported in 67% of subjects treated with TALTZ (1.4 per subject-year of follow-up) compared to 48% of subjects treated with placebo (2.0 per subject-year of follow-up). Serious adverse events were reported in 3% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.06 per subject-year of follow-up), and in 2% of subjects treated with placebo (0.06 per subject-year of follow-up).
The most frequent injection site reactions were erythema and pain. Most injection site reactions were mild-tomoderate in severity and did not lead to discontinuation of TALTZ.
In the 12-week, placebo-controlled period of the clinical trials in plaque psoriasis, infections occurred in 27% of subjects treated with TALTZ (1.2 per subject-year of follow-up) compared to 23% of subjects treated with placebo (1.0 per subject-year of follow-up). Serious infections occurred in 0.4% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.02 per subject-year of follow-up) and in 0.4% of subjects treated with placebo (0.02 per subject-year of follow-up) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
During the maintenance treatment period (Weeks 13 to 60), infections occurred in 57% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.70 per subject-year of follow-up) compared to 32% of subjects treated with placebo (0.61 per subject-year of follow-up). Serious infections occurred in 0.9% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.01 per subject-year of follow-up) and none in the subjects treated with placebo.
Over the entire treatment period (Weeks 0 to 60), infections were reported in 38% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.83 per subject-year of follow-up) compared to 23% of subjects treated with placebo (1.0 per subject-year of follow-up). Serious infections occurred in 0.7% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.02 per subject-year of follow-up), and in 0.4% of subject treated with placebo (0.02 per subject-year of follow-up).
Over the entire treatment period (Weeks 0 to 60), neutropenia occurred in 11% of subjects treated with TALTZ (0.24 per subject-year of follow-up) compared to 3% of subjects treated with placebo (0.14 per subject-year of follow-up). In subjects treated with TALTZ, the incidence rate of neutropenia during Weeks 13 to 60 was lower than the incidence rate during Weeks 0 to 12.
In the 12-week, placebo-controlled period, neutropenia ≥ Grade 3 (<1,000 cells/mm³) occurred in 0.2% of the TALTZ group (0.007 per subject-year of follow-up) compared to 0.1% of the placebo group (0.006 per subject-year of follow-up). The majority of cases of neutropenia were either Grade 2 (2% for TALTZ 80 mg Q2W versus 0.3% for placebo; ≥1,000 to <1,500 cells/mm³) or Grade 1 (7% for TALTZ 80 mg Q2W versus 3% for placebo; ≥1,500 cells/mm³ to <2,000 cells/mm³). Neutropenia in the TALTZ group was not associated with an increased rate of infection compared to the placebo group.
Ninety eight percent of cases of thrombocytopenia were Grade 1 (3% for TALTZ 80 mg Q2W versus 1% for placebo; ≥75,000 cells/mm³ to <150,000 cells/mm³). Thrombocytopenia in subjects treated with TALTZ was not associated with an increased rate of bleeding compared to subjects treated with placebo.
In the two clinical trials that included an active comparator, the rate of serious adverse events during weeks zero to twelve was 0.7% for U.S. approved etanercept and 2% for TALTZ 80 mg Q2W, and the rate of discontinuation from adverse events was 0.7% for U.S. approved etanercept and 2% for TALTZ 80 mg Q2W. The incidence of infections was 18% for U.S. approved etanercept and 26% for TALTZ 80 mg Q2W. The rate of serious infections was 0.3% for both TALTZ 80 mg Q2W and U.S. approved etanercept.
TALTZ was studied in two placebo-controlled trials in patients with psoriatic arthritis. A total of 678 patients were studied (454 patients on TALTZ and 224 on placebo). A total of 229 patients in these trials received TALTZ 160 mg at Week 0, followed by 80 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W). Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with TALTZ Q4W is consistent with the safety profile in patients with plaque psoriasis with the exception of the frequencies of influenza (1.3%) and conjunctivitis (1.3%).
As with all therapeutic proteins there is the potential for immunogenicity with TALTZ. The assay to test for neutralizing antibodies has limitations detecting neutralizing antibodies in the presence of ixekizumab; therefore, the incidence of neutralizing antibodies development could be underestimated.
By Week 12, approximately 9% of subjects treated with TALTZ every 2 weeks developed antibodies to ixekizumab. Approximately 22% of subjects treated with TALTZ at the recommended dosing regimen developed antibodies to ixekizumab during the 60-week treatment period. The clinical effects of antibodies to ixekizumab are dependent on the antibody titer; higher antibody titers were associated with decreasing drug concentration and clinical response.
Of the subjects who developed antibodies to ixekizumab during the 60-week treatment period, approximately 10%, which equates to 2% of subjects treated with TALTZ at the recommended dosing regimen, had antibodies that were classified as neutralizing. Neutralizing antibodies were associated with reduced drug concentrations and loss of efficacy.
For subjects treated with TALTZ 80 mg every 4 weeks for up to 52 weeks (PsA1), 11% developed anti-drug antibodies, the majority of which were low titer, and 8% had confirmed neutralizing antibodies.
The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of incidence of antibodies to TALTZ across indications or with the incidences of antibodies to other products may be misleading.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of TALTZ. Because the reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to TALTZ exposure.
anaphylaxis [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with TALTZ [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The formation of CYP450 enzymes can be altered by increased levels of certain cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, IFN) during chronic inflammation. Thus, TALTZ, an antagonist of IL-17A, could normalize the formation of CYP450 enzymes.
Therefore, upon initiation or discontinuation of TALTZ in patients who are receiving concomitant drugs which are CYP450 substrates, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index, consider monitoring for effect (e.g., for warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., for cyclosporine) and consider dosage modification of the CYP450 substrate.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
TALTZ may increase the risk of infection. In clinical trials in patients with plaque psoriasis, the TALTZ group had a higher rate of infections than the placebo group (27% vs. 23%). Upper respiratory tract infections, oral candidiasis, conjunctivitis and tinea infections occurred more frequently in the TALTZ group than in the placebo group. A similar increase in risk of infection was seen in placebo-controlled trials in patients with psoriatic arthritis [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Instruct patients treated with TALTZ to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms of clinically important chronic or acute infection occur. If a patient develops a serious infection or is not responding to standard therapy, monitor the patient closely and discontinue TALTZ until the infection resolves.
Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with TALTZ. Do not administer to patients with active TB infection. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering TALTZ. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiating TALTZ in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Patients receiving TALTZ should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment.
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and urticaria (each ≤0.1%), occurred in the TALTZ group in clinical trials. Anaphylaxis, including cases leading to hospitalization, has been reported in post marketing use with TALTZ [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue TALTZ immediately and initiate appropriate therapy.
During TALTZ treatment, monitor for onset or exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, including exacerbations, occurred at a greater frequency in the TALTZ group (Crohn's disease 0.1%, ulcerative colitis 0.2%) than the placebo group (0%) during the 12-week, placebo-controlled period in clinical trials in patients with plaque psoriasis.
Prior to initiating therapy with TALTZ, consider completion of all age appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with TALTZ. No data are available on the response to live vaccines.
Advise the patient and/or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use) before the patient starts using TALTZ, and each time the prescription is renewed, as there may be new information they need to know.
Provide guidance to patients and caregivers on proper subcutaneous injection technique, including aseptic technique, and how to use the autoinjector or prefilled syringe correctly [see Instructions for Use].
Inform patients that TALTZ may lower the ability of their immune system to fight infections. Instruct patients of the importance of communicating any history of infections to the healthcare provider, and contacting their healthcare provider if they develop any symptoms of infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Animal studies have not been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential of TALTZ. Moreover published literature is mixed on potential effects on malignancy risk due to the inhibition of IL-17A activity, the pharmacological action of TALTZ. Some published literature suggests that IL-17A directly promotes cancer cell invasion, suggesting a potential beneficial effect by TALTZ, whereas other reports indicate IL-17A promotes T-cell mediated tumor rejection, suggesting a potential adverse effect by TALTZ. However, neutralization of IL-17A with TALTZ has not been studied in these models. Depletion of IL-17A with a neutralizing antibody inhibited tumor development in mice, suggesting a potential beneficial effect by TALTZ. The relevance of experimental findings in mouse models for malignancy risk in humans is unknown.
No effects on fertility parameters such as reproductive organs, menstrual cycle length, or sperm analysis were observed in sexually mature cynomolgus monkeys that were administered ixekizumab for 13 weeks at a subcutaneous dose of 50 mg/kg/week (19 times the MRHD on a mg/kg basis). The monkeys were not mated to evaluate fertility.
There are no available data on TALTZ use in pregnant women to inform any drug associated risks. Human IgG is known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, TALTZ may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. An embryofetal development study conducted in pregnant monkeys at doses up to 19 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) revealed no evidence of harm to the developing fetus. When dosing was continued until parturition, neonatal deaths were observed at 1.9 times the MRHD [see Data]. The clinical significance of these nonclinical findings is unknown.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Animal Data
An embryofetal development study was conducted in cynomolgus monkeys administered ixekizumab. No malformations or embryofetal toxicity were observed in fetuses from pregnant monkeys administered ixekizumab weekly by subcutaneous injection during organogenesis to near parturition at doses up to 19 times the MRHD (on a mg/kg basis of 50 mg/kg/week). Ixekizumab crossed the placenta in monkeys.
In a pre- and post-natal development toxicity study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were administered weekly subcutaneous doses of ixekizumab up to 19 times the MRHD from the beginning of organogenesis to parturition. Neonatal deaths occurred in the offspring of two monkeys administered ixekizumab at 1.9 times the MRHD (on a mg/kg basis of 5 mg/kg/week) and two monkeys administered ixekizumab at 19 times the MRHD (on a mg/kg basis of 50 mg/kg/week). These neonatal deaths were attributed to early delivery, trauma, or congenital defect. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. No ixekizumab-related effects on functional or immunological development were observed in the infants from birth through 6 months of age.
There are no data on the presence of ixekizumab in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Ixekizumab was detected in the milk of lactating cynomolgus monkeys. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for TALTZ and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from TALTZ or from the underlying maternal condition.
The safety and effectiveness of TALTZ in pediatric patients (<18 years of age) have not been evaluated.
Of the 4204 psoriasis subjects exposed to TALTZ, a total of 301 were 65 years or older, and 36 subjects were 75 years or older. Although no differences in safety or efficacy were observed between older and younger subjects, the number of subjects aged 65 and over is not sufficient to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In the event of overdosage, monitor the patient for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and institute appropriate symptomatic treatment immediately.
TALTZ is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to ixekizumab or to any of the excipients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Ixekizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds with the interleukin 17A (IL-17A) cytokine and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor. IL-17A is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Ixekizumab inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
No formal pharmacodynamic studies have been conducted with TALTZ.
The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of ixekizumab observed in psoriatic arthritis patients were similar to the PK properties displayed in plaque psoriasis patients.
Following a single subcutaneous dose of 160 mg in subjects with plaque psoriasis, ixekizumab reached peak mean (±SD) serum concentrations (Cmax) of 16.2 ±6.6 mcg/mL by approximately 4 days post dose.
Steady-state concentrations were achieved by Week 8 following the 160 mg starting dose and 80 mg every 2 weeks dosing regimen; the mean ±SD steady-state trough concentration was 9.3 ±5.3 mcg/mL. Steady-state concentrations were achieved approximately 10 weeks after switching from the 80 mg every 2 weeks dosing regimen to the 80 mg every 4 weeks dosing regimen at Week 12. The mean ±SD steady-state trough concentration was 3.5 ±2.5 mcg/mL.
In studies of subjects with plaque psoriasis, ixekizumab bioavailability ranged from 60% to 81% following subcutaneous injection. Administration of ixekizumab via injection in the thigh achieved a higher bioavailability relative to that achieved using other injection sites including the arm and abdomen.
The mean (geometric CV%) volume of distribution at steady-state was 7.11 L (29%) in subjects with plaque psoriasis.
The metabolic pathway of ixekizumab has not been characterized. As a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody ixekizumab is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways in the same manner as endogenous IgG.
The mean systemic clearance was 0.39 L/day (37%) and the mean (geometric CV%) half-life was 13 days (40%) in subjects with plaque psoriasis.
Ixekizumab clearance and volume of distribution increase as body weight increases.
Ixekizumab exhibited dose-proportional pharmacokinetics in subjects with plaque psoriasis over a dose range from 5 mg (not the recommended dose) to 160 mg following subcutaneous administration.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that age did not significantly influence the clearance of ixekizumab in adult subjects with plaque psoriasis. Subjects who are 65 years or older had a similar ixekizumab clearance as compared to subjects less than 65 years old.
No formal trial of the effect of hepatic or renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of ixekizumab was conducted.
Drug interaction studies have not been conducted with TALTZ.
Population PK data analyses indicated that the clearance of ixekizumab was not impacted by concomitant administration of methotrexate, or by prior exposure to methotrexate or adalimumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
Three multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, Trials 1, 2, and 3 (NCT 01474512, NCT 01597245, NCT 01646177), enrolled a total of 3866 subjects 18 years of age and older with plaque psoriasis who had a minimum body surface area involvement of 10%, a static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) score of ≥3 in the overall assessment (plaque thickness/induration, erythema, and scaling) of psoriasis on a severity scale of 0 to 5, a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score ≥12, and who were candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
In all three trials, subjects were randomized to either placebo or TALTZ (80 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W]) for 12 weeks, following a 160 mg starting dose. In the two active comparator trials (Trials 2 and 3), subjects were also randomized to receive U.S. approved etanercept 50 mg twice weekly for 12 weeks.
All three trials assessed the changes from baseline to Week 12 in the two co-primary endpoints: 1) PASI 75, the proportion of subjects who achieved at least a 75% reduction in the PASI composite score that takes into consideration both the percentage of body surface area affected and the nature and severity of psoriatic changes (induration, erythema and scaling) within the affected regions, and 2) sPGA of “0” (clear) or “1” (minimal), the proportion of subjects with an sPGA 0 or 1 and at least a 2-point improvement.
Other evaluated outcomes included the proportion of subjects with an sPGA score of 0 (clear), a reduction of at least 90% in PASI (PASI 90), a reduction of 100% in PASI (PASI 100), and an improvement of itch severity as measured by a reduction of at least 4 points on an 11-point itch Numeric Rating Scale.
Subjects in all treatment groups had a median baseline PASI score ranging from approximately 17 to 18. Baseline sPGA score was severe or very severe in 51% of subjects in Trial 1, 50% in Trial 2, and 48% in Trial 3.
Of all subjects, 44% had received prior phototherapy, 49% had received prior conventional systemic therapy, and 26% had received prior biologic therapy for the treatment of psoriasis. Of the subjects who had received prior biologic therapy, 15% had received at least one anti-TNF alpha agent, and 9% had received an anti-IL 12/IL23. A total of 23% of study subjects had a history of psoriatic arthritis.
The results of Trials 1, 2, and 3 are presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Efficacy Results at Week 12 in Adults with
Plaque Psoriasis in Trials 1, 2, and 3; NRIa
| Trial 1 | Trial 2 | Trial 3 | ||||
| TALTZ 80 mgc Q2W (N=433) n (%) |
Placebo (N=431) n (%) |
TALTZ 80 mgc Q2W (N=351) n (%) |
Placebo (N=168) n (%) |
TALTZ 80 mgc Q2W (N=385) n (%) |
Placebo (N=193) n (%) |
|
| sPGA of “0” (clear) or “1” (minimal)b | 354 (82) | 14 (3) | 292 (83) | 4 (2) | 310 (81) | 13 (7) |
| sPGA of “0” (clear) | 160 (37) | 0 | 147 (42) | 1 (1) | 155 (40) | 0 |
| PASI 75b | 386 (89) | 17 (4) | 315 (90) | 4 (2) | 336 (87) | 14 (7) |
| PASI 90 | 307 (71) | 2 (1) | 248 (71) | 1 (1) | 262 (68) | 6 (3) |
| PASI 100 | 153 (35) | 0 | 142 (40) | 1 (1) | 145 (38) | 0 |
| a Abbreviations: N = number of patients in the
intent-to-treat population; NRI = Non-Responder Imputation. b Co-primary endpoints. cAt Week 0, subjects received 160 mg of TALTZ. |
||||||
Examination of age, gender, race, body weight, and previous treatment with a biologic did not identify differences in response to TALTZ among these subgroups at Week 12.
Subjects treated with TALTZ 80 mg Q2W experienced improvement in itch severity when compared to placebo at Week 12.
An integrated analysis of the U.S. sites in the two active comparator studies using U.S. approved etanercept, TALTZ demonstrated superiority to U.S. approved etanercept (50 mg twice weekly) on sPGA and PASI scores during the 12 week treatment period. The respective response rates for TALTZ 80 mg Q2W and U.S. approved etanercept 50 mg twice weekly were: sPGA of 0 or 1 (73% and 27%); PASI 75 (87% and 41%); sPGA of 0 (34% and 5%); PASI 90 (64% and 18%), and PASI 100 (34% and 4%).
To evaluate the maintenance and durability of response, subjects originally randomized to TALTZ and who were responders at Week 12 (i.e., sPGA of 0 or 1) in Trial 1 and Trial 2 were re-randomized to an additional 48 weeks of either a maintenance dose of TALTZ 80 mg Q4W (every 4 weeks) or placebo. Non-responders (sPGA >1) at Week 12 and subjects who relapsed (sPGA ≥3) during the maintenance period were placed on TALTZ 80 mg Q4W.
For responders at Week 12, the percentage of subjects who maintained this response (sPGA 0 or 1) at Week 60 (48 weeks following re-randomization) in the integrated trials (Trial 1 and Trial 2) was higher for subjects treated with TALTZ 80 mg Q4W (75%) compared to those treated with placebo (7%).
For responders at Week 12 who were re-randomized to treatment withdrawal (i.e., placebo), the median time to relapse (sPGA ≥3) was 164 days in the integrated trials. Among these subjects, 66% regained a response of at least 0 or 1 on the sPGA within 12 weeks of restarting treatment with TALTZ 80 mg Q4W.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Trial 4) was conducted in 149 adult subjects with plaque psoriasis who had a minimum body surface area (BSA) involvement of 1%, a sPGA score of ≥3 (moderate psoriasis), a sPGA of Genitalia score of ≥3 (moderate psoriasis involving the genital area), who failed to respond to or were intolerant of at least one topical therapy used for treatment of psoriasis affecting the genital area, and who were candidates for phototherapy and/or systemic therapy.
Subjects had a median baseline PASI score of approximately 12. Baseline BSA involvement was at least 10% for approximately 60% of the enrolled subjects. Baseline sPGA of Genitalia score was severe or very severe in approximately 42% of the subjects; baseline sPGA score was severe or very severe in approximately 47% of the subjects.
Subjects randomized to TALTZ received an initial dose of 160 mg followed by 80 mg every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The trial evaluated the primary endpoint of the proportion of subjects who achieved a “0” (clear) or “1” (minimal) response at Week 12 on sPGA of Genitalia. Other evaluated outcomes at Week 12 included the proportion of subjects who achieved a sPGA score of “0” (clear) or “1” (minimal), improvement of genital itch severity as measured by a reduction of at least 4 points in the 11-point Genital Psoriasis Symptoms Scale (GPSS) score Itch numeric rating scale (NRS), and the patient-perceived impact of psoriasis affecting the genital area on limiting frequency of sexual activity (intercourse or other activities) as measured by the Genital Psoriasis Sexual Frequency Questionnaire (GenPs-SFQ) Item 2 (In the past week how often did your genital psoriasis limit the frequency of your sexual activity?). SFQ Item 2 score ranges from 0 to 4 (0=never, 1=rarely, 2=sometimes, 3=often, 4=always); where higher scores indicate greater limitations on the frequency of sexual activity in the past week.
The results of Trial 4 are presented in Table 3.
Table 3: Efficacy Results at Week 12 in Adults with
Genital Psoriasis in Trial 4; NRIa
| Endpoints | TALTZ 80 mg Q2Wb n (%) |
Placebo n (%) |
| Number of subjects randomized | N=75 | N=74 |
| sPGA of Genitalia “0” (clear) or “1” (minimal) | 55 (73%) | 6 (8%) |
| sPGA “0” (clear) or “1” (minimal) | 55 (73%) | 2 (3%) |
| Number of subjects with baseline GPSSa Itch NRS Score ≥4 | N=56 | N=51 |
| GPSS Genital Itch (≥4 point improvement) | 31 (55%) | 3 (6%) |
| Number of subjects with baseline GenPs-SFQa Item 2 Score ≥2 | N=37 | N=42 |
| GenPs-SFQ Item 2 score “0” (never) or “1” (rarely) | 29 (78%) | 9 (21%) |
| a Abbreviations: NRI = Non-Responder
Imputation; GPSS = Genital Psoriasis Symptoms Scale; GenPs-SFQ = Genital Psoriasis
Sexual Frequency Questionnaire. b At Week 0, subjects received 160 mg of TALTZ, followed by 80 mg every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. |
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The safety and efficacy of TALTZ were assessed in 679 patients, in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (PsA1 and PsA2) in adult patients, age 18 years and older with active psoriatic arthritis (at least 3 swollen and at least 3 tender joints) despite non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), corticosteroid or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. Patients in these studies had a diagnosis of PsA for at least 6 months across both studies. At baseline, 60% and 23% of the patients had enthesitis and dactylitis, respectively. In PsA2, all patients discontinued previous treatment with anti-TNFα agents due to either inadequate response or intolerance. In addition, approximately 47% of patients from both studies had concomitant methotrexate (MTX) use.
PsA1 Study (NCT 01695239) evaluated 417 biologic-naive patients, who were treated with either TALTZ 160 mg at Week 0 followed by 80 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or 4 weeks (Q4W), adalimumab 40 mg every 2 weeks, or placebo. PsA2 Study (NCT 02349295) evaluated 363 anti-TNFα experienced patients, who were treated with TALTZ 160 mg at Week 0 followed by 80 mg every 2 or 4 weeks, or placebo. Patients receiving placebo were re-randomized to receive TALTZ (80 mg every 2 or 4 weeks) at Week 16 or Week 24 based on responder status. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients achieving an ACR20 response at Week 24.
In both studies, patients treated with TALTZ 80 mg Q2W or 80 mg Q4W demonstrated a greater clinical response including ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 compared to placebo at Week 24 (Table 4). In PsA2, responses were seen regardless of prior anti-TNFα exposure.
Table 4: Responsesa at Week 12 and 24; NRIb
| PsA1 - anti-TNFα naive | PsA2 - anti-TNFα - experienced | |||||
| TALTZ 80 mgc Q4W (N=107) |
Placebo (N=106) |
Difference from placebo (95% CI) | TALTZ 80 mgc Q4W (N=122) |
Placebo (N=118) |
Difference from placebo (95% CI) | |
| ACR20 response | ||||||
| Week 12 (%) | 57 | 31 | 26 (13, 39) |
50 | 22 | 28 (16, 40) |
| Week 24 (%) | 58 | 30 | 28 (15, 41) |
53 | 20 | 34 (22, 45) |
| ACR50 response | ||||||
| Week 12 (%) | 34 | 5 | 29 (19, 39) |
31 | 3 | 28 (19, 37) |
| Week 24 (%) | 40 | 15 | 25 (14, 37) |
35 | 5 | 30 (21, 40) |
| ACR70 response | ||||||
| Week 12 (%) | 15 | 0 | 15 (8, 22) |
15 | 2 | 13 (6, 20) |
| Week 24 (%) | 23 | 6 | 18 (9, 27) |
22 | 0 | 22 (15, 30) |
| a Patients who met escape criteria (less than
20% improvement in tender and swollen joint counts) at Week 16 or had missing
data at Week 24 were considered non-responders at Week 24. b Abbreviations: N = number of patients in the intent-to-treat population; NRI = Non-Responder Imputation. cAt Week 0, patients received 160 mg of TALTZ. |
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The percentage of patients achieving ACR20 response by visit is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Percent of Patients Achieving ACR20 Responsea
in PsA1 Through Week 24
 |
a Patients who met escape criteria (less than 20% improvement in tender and swollen joint counts) at Week 16 or had missing data at Week 24 were considered non-responders at Week 24.
The improvements in the components of the ACR response criteria are shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Efficacy results in
ACR Components at Week 12 and 16
| PsA1 | PsA2 | |||
| TALTZ 80 mga Q4W (N=107) |
Placebo (N=106) |
TALTZ 80 mga Q4W (N=122) |
Placebo (N=118) |
|
| No. of Swollen Joints | ||||
| Baseline | 11.4 | 10.6 | 13.1 | 10.3 |
| Mean Change at Week 12 | -6.2 | -3.2 | -5.8 | -2.6 |
| Mean Change at Week 16 | -6.2 | -3.0 | -7.4 | -2.6 |
| No. of Tender Joints | ||||
| Baseline | 20.5 | 19.2 | 22.0 | 23.0 |
| Mean Change at Week 12 | -10.3 | -3.5 | -9.4 | -5.4 |
| Mean Change at Week 16 | -9.7 | -4.0 | -10.1 | -3.0 |
| Patient’s Assessment of Pain | ||||
| Baseline | 60.1 | 58.5 | 63.9 | 63.9 |
| Mean Change at Week 12 | -26.6 | -9.1 | -29.8 | -11.9 |
| Mean Change at Week 16 | -26.1 | -10.6 | -30.1 | -12.3 |
| Patient Global Assessment | ||||
| Baseline | 62.7 | 61.1 | 66.4 | 64.1 |
| Mean Change at Week 12 | -29.7 | -11.1 | -34.5 | -10.7 |
| Mean Change at Week 16 | -30.4 | -13.2 | -35.3 | -15.7 |
| Physician Global Assessment | ||||
| Baseline | 57.6 | 55.9 | 60.3 | 58.9 |
| Mean Change at Week 12 | -34.0 | -16.6 | -34.4 | -15.9 |
| Mean Change at Week 16 | -35.5 | -16.5 | -32.9 | -9.7 |
| Disability Index (HAQ-DI)b | ||||
| Baseline | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Mean Change at Week 12 | -0.4 | -0.1 | -0.4 | -0.1 |
| Mean Change at Week 16 | -0.4 | -0.1 | -0.5 | -0.1 |
| CRP (mg/L) | ||||
| Baseline | 12.8 | 15.1 | 17.0 | 12.1 |
| Mean Change at Week 12 | -8.8 | -3.2 | -11.4 | -4.3 |
| Mean Change at Week 16 | -9.3 | -3.2 | -11.2 | -5.9 |
| a At Week 0, subjects received 160 mg of
TALTZ. b Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire; 0 = best, 3 = worst, measures the patient’s ability to perform the following: dress/groom, arise, eat, walk, reach, grip, maintain hygiene, and maintain daily activity. |
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Treatment with TALTZ resulted in improvement in dactylitis and enthesitis in patients with pre-existing dactylitis or enthesitis.
Treatment with TALTZ 80 mg Q4W resulted in an improvement in psoriatic skin lesions in patients with PsA.
Radiographic changes were assessed in PsA1. Inhibition of progression of structural damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as the change in modified total Sharp score (mTSS) at Week 16, compared to baseline. The total Sharp score was modified for psoriatic arthritis by addition of hand distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints.
TALTZ 80 mg Q4W inhibited the progression of structural joint damage (mTSS) compared to placebo at Week 16. The adjusted mean change from baseline in the mTSS was 0.13 for TALTZ 80 mg Q4W and 0.36 for placebo (difference in means TALTZ minus placebo: -0.23, 95% CI: (-0.42, -0.04)).
TALTZ treated patients showed improvement in physical function compared to patients treated with placebo as assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) at Week 12 and 24. In both studies, the proportion of HAQ-DI responders (≥0.35 improvement in HAQ-DI score) was greater in the TALTZ 80 mg Q4W groups compared to placebo at week 12 and 24.
General health status was assessed by the Short Form health survey (SF-36). At Week 12 in PsA1 and PsA2, patients treated with TALTZ showed greater improvement from baseline in the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) score compared to patients treated with placebo but this improvement was not consistent in both studies for the SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) score. At Week 12, there was consistent evidence of effect in the physical-functioning, role-physical, bodily-pain, and general health domains but not in the social-functioning, role-emotional, vitality, and mental health domains.
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