Lilly's Taltz + Zepbound Combo Achieves Superior Psoriasis Clearance and Weight Loss in Phase 3b Trial | iPharmaCenter

Eli Lilly shared encouraging early findings from the innovative TOGETHER-PsO trial, testing ixekizumab (Taltz) alongside tirzepatide (Zepbound) against ixekizumab solo in patients facing moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis plus obesity or excess weight and related health issues.

Trial Achieves Dual Goals

After 36 weeks, those getting both drugs saw far better outcomes on the main goal, full skin clearing (PASI 100 score) paired with 10%+ body weight drop, outpacing the ixekizumab-only group (27.1% vs. 5.8%). A major follow-up measure showed combo users 40% more apt to hit full skin clearing alone (40.6% vs. 29.0%), suggesting obesity care via tirzepatide eases psoriasis severity.

High-Risk Group Studied

Researchers targeted adults with heavy disease load, averaging BMI over 39 kg/m², roughly 9-10 points above typical psoriasis biologic trials, and skin covering ~25% body area, mostly hitting sensitive spots like face, scalp, or genitals (97% of cases). Such profiles often predict weaker responses, yet higher BMI routinely cuts skin-clearing chances in psoriasis research.

Study Setup

This 52-week, randomized, open-label Phase 3b effort (NCT06588283) split 274 qualifying adults 1:1 into ixekizumab alone or with tirzepatide, both via skin shots, plus diet/exercise guidance for everyone. Entry called for BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27 with a weight-linked issue) and moderate-to-severe psoriasis needing advanced care.

Drug Profiles

Ixekizumab (Taltz), an IL-17A blocker, curbs inflammation by stopping this cytokine from binding its receptor; it's cleared for plaque psoriasis in kids 6+ and adults, plus psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and related spine issues showing inflammation signs.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound), a dual GIP/GLP-1 activator, cuts hunger and calories to trim weight; it's greenlit with diet/activity changes for adult obesity/overweight with comorbidities, and for moderate-severe sleep apnea tied to obesity, avoid pairing with other GLP-1s or tirzepatide meds.