Eli Lilly announced the launch of Copellor (Ixekizumab) in India following approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), marking the pharma major’s entry in the dermatology segment. Adults with moderate-to-sever plaque psoriasis who are eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy can use the drug.
“Our foray into the dermatology segment strengthens Lilly’s promise of bringing innovative medicines to India. Global Studies show that the impact psoriasis has on a patient’s quality of life is comparable to that of ‘serious’ diseases such as cancer and heart failure. The availability of a new treatment like Copellor (Ixekizumab) will now empower healthcare providers with another option for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, as well as treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis, a huge unmet need in the country,” Vineet Gupta, MD, Eli Lilly and Company – India & India Subcontinent, was quoted as saying.
Copellor (Ixekizumab) by Eli Lilly will also be available for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adults. The drug is a humanised IgG4 monoclonal antibody to target IL-17A. IL-17A is a protein that can trigger inflammation in psoriasis, Eli Lilly reportedly stated.
Eli Lilly states that only medical professionals such as a dermatologist or rheumatologist will use Copellor (Ixekizumab) under supervision. The drug is available in 80 mg/ml in a single-dose prefilled autoinjector.
In January, Indian pharmaceutical company Eris Lifesciences said it will acquire nine dermatology brands from Glenmark Pharma. The move would help Eris Lifesciences expand its presence in the anti-fungal and anti-psoriasis segments. It would also complement its existing portfolio of products in the dermatology space in India and Nepal. Among the brands that the company said it would buy included Onabet, Halobate, Sorvate, and Demelan.