Sun Pharma Launches ILUMYA in India for Psoriasis Patients | iPharmaCenter
- Badari Andukuri
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Sun Pharma Launches ILUMYA in India
Sun Pharma has unveiled its globally recognized innovative medication, ILUMYA (Tildrakizumab), now available in India for managing moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This advanced biologic therapy has garnered extensive acceptance among dermatologists in the United States and internationally as a reliable and safe option for treating this condition.
Long-Term Efficacy of ILUMYALong-Term Efficacy of ILUMYA
In a clinical trial conducted by Sun Pharma in India involving 115 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, the treatment demonstrated remarkable efficacy. By weeks 12, 16, and 28, skin clearance rates of 75% or greater (measured by Psoriasis Area Severity Index Score reduction) reached 62.3%, 83.3%, and 93.9% respectively. Additionally, clearance rates of 90% or more were observed in 26.3%, 50%, and 78.1% of patients at the same time points. Patients were administered three subcutaneous doses of Tildrakizumab over 16 weeks (at the start, week 4, and week 16), followed by observation until week 28. The treatment also led to meaningful enhancements in quality of life as indicated by Dermatology Life Quality Index scores, with no safety or immunogenicity issues reported among Indian participants.
ILUMYA stands out as the first IL-23 inhibitor to have undergone a comprehensive five-year evaluation, based on combined data from two Phase 3 extension studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This long-term evidence highlights its role as a sustainable therapy option suitable for patients requiring continuous treatment without diminishing effectiveness.
Understanding Plaque Psoriasis in India
Plaque psoriasis is a persistent autoimmune disorder characterized by rapid skin cell production, resulting in raised, thickened, scaly lesions known as plaques.
Globally, psoriasis affects approximately 2–3% of the population, while prevalence in India ranges between 0.44% and 2.8%.
The condition is increasingly recognized as a systemic immune-mediated disease linked to metabolic and cardiovascular issues, which significantly impact patients’ physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Despite the significant burden, many Indian patients have inadequate disease control due to limitations in conventional systemic treatments and older biologics, including concerns over long-term safety, efficacy, cumulative toxicity, burdensome monitoring, and patient adherence. This has led to ongoing inflammation, flare-ups, and overlooked associated health risks.
There is a pressing demand for targeted therapies that offer high and lasting skin clearance, favorable safety profiles, less intensive monitoring, and convenient dosing to enhance disease management and quality of life for patients in India.
ILUMYA Mechanism of Action and Approval
ILUMYA (tildrakizumab-asmn) is a humanized IgG1/k monoclonal antibody engineered to selectively inhibit the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23). By blocking IL-23’s interaction with its receptor, the drug prevents the release of pro-inflammatory molecules that drive psoriasis symptoms. It is approved for adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis eligible for systemic or phototherapy treatment. The US Food and Drug Administration granted approval based on robust evidence from the Phase 3 reSURFACE clinical program, which included two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with over 1,800 participants at more than 200 sites worldwide.