Dr Stephen Rozzo on Regulatory Nature of Tildrakizumab for Psoriasis

The regulatory nature of tildrakizumab and its administration in office distinguish the drug from other approved biologics for psoriasis, said Stephen Rozzo, PhD, associate vice president and head, Biologics Medical Affairs, Sun Pharma, North America.

Transcript

What are the mechanisms of action for tildrakizumab in the treatment of psoriasis and how does the drug compare with other approved biologics?

The mechanism of action of tildrakizumab is not completely known, but it binds interleukin (IL)-23 p19 polypeptide, which is a pro-inflammatory molecule [that] regulates immune responses to inflammation.

It is distinct in the sense that among similar agents, it is administered by dermatologists in their offices. And for that reason, we can be sure that the patients actually get their medication as opposed to other agents administered at home.

There are other mechanisms of action for drugs that bind tumor necrosis factor and inhibit that pro-inflammatory molecule, and others that bind IL-17, a different cytokine that is pro-inflammatory. The distinction with IL-23 is its regulatory nature. In other words, it does not in itself induce inflammation as the other 2 molecules do; it regulates the response to stimuli.