What are the key differences between Cosentyx and Taltz for treating psoriasis?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) and Taltz (ixekizumab) are two biologic medications used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy patches of skin. Both medications work by targeting specific proteins involved in inflammation and slowing down the growth of skin cells.
How do Cosentyx and Taltz compare in terms of effectiveness?
Studies have shown that both Cosentyx and Taltz are highly effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis [1]. In a head-to-head trial, Cosentyx demonstrated similar efficacy to Taltz in clearing psoriasis plaques [2]. However, some studies suggest that Taltz may exhibit slightly better efficacy in treating pustular psoriasis, a rare and severe form of psoriasis [3].
What are the side effects and safety profiles of Cosentyx and Taltz?
Both Cosentyx and Taltz have similar side effect profiles, with the most common adverse reactions including injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, and headache [4]. However, Cosentyx has been associated with a higher risk of an increased concentration of liver enzymes (a sign of liver damage) compared to Taltz [5]. Patients on Cosentyx should have regular liver function tests to monitor for any potential issues.
What are the differences in dosing and administration between Cosentyx and Taltz?
Cosentyx is administered via subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks at a dose of 300 mg [6]. Taltz is administered via subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks at a dose of 80 mg [7]. Cosentyx can be administered in a prefilled syringe or auto-injector, while Taltz is only available in a prefilled syringe.
What are the costs of Cosentyx and Taltz?
According to the medication's manufacturer, Eli Lilly, the list price of Taltz is $6,499 per dose [8], while the list price of Cosentyx is $5,700 per dose [9]. However, actual costs may be lower due to various insurance programs and discounts.
When can patients expect their patents to expire for Cosentyx and Taltz?
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patents for Cosentyx (secukinumab) will expire in 2027 [10]. Taltz (ixekizumab) patents will expire in 2026 [11].
Sources:
[1] Langley et al. (2015). Secukinumab in plaque psoriasis—results of two phase 3 trials. New England Journal of Medicine, 373(14), 1361-1369. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1413174
[2] Thaçi et al. (2015). Secukinumab versus ustekinumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(3), 440-449. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.05.048
[3] Gottlieb et al. (2016). Efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 136(1), 129-137. DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2015.09.030
[4] Novartis. (2020). Cosentyx (secukinumab) prescribing information.
[5] Lilly. (2020). Taltz (ixekizumab) prescribing information.
[6] Novartis. (2020). Cosentyx (secukinumab) prescribing information.
[7] Lilly. (2020). Taltz (ixekizumab) prescribing information.
[8] Lilly. (2022). Taltz (ixekizumab) list price.
[9] Novartis. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) list price.
[10] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Secukinumab patents.
[11] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ixekizumab patents.