Eli Lilly and Company has reported exploratory Phase IIIb trial results showing that combining Taltz and Zepbound alters more immune and metabolic biomarkers than Taltz alone in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and obesity or overweight.
The 52-week, multicentre, open-label, assessor-blinded trial randomised 274 participants into 1:1 ratio to subcutaneous Taltz or the combination, alongside counselling on diet and physical activity.
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The investigation analysed circulating blood proteins and gene expression to track biological responses.
By week 36, dual therapy shifted 482 proteins and 467 genes, compared with 140 proteins and 16 genes under monotherapy, with distinctions visible as early as week 12.
The co-administered therapies also produced greater reductions in inflammatory immune activity, with neutrophil markers that partly accounted for the enhanced Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) response.
Lilly Immunology development senior vice-president Mark Genovese said: “People living with psoriasis and obesity carry a compounded burden that extends beyond what is visible, yet these conditions are too often viewed through separate treatment lenses.
“The broader biomarker changes observed with Taltz and Zepbound, including those associated with skin clearance, may point to a meaningful relationship between immune and metabolic biology.
“Along with previously reported clinical outcomes, these findings support a more comprehensive approach to psoriasis care that also addresses obesity for people managing both conditions.”
The primary endpoint measures the proportion of participants achieving both complete skin clearance (PASI 100) and at least 10% weight reduction at week 36.
Earlier study data demonstrated that the combination achieved superior skin clearance and weight loss at week 36, with responses maintained through week 52 and safety aligned with each therapy’s established profile.
Taltz binds interleukin 17A to suppress inflammatory cytokines, with indications including moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
Zepbound acts as a dual (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist to reduce appetite and holds approval for chronic weight management as well as moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea.
Last month, Lilly reported findings from an indirect treatment comparison analysing data from the ACHIEVE-3 and PIONEER PLUS studies of its investigational therapy Foundayo (orforglipron) against oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes.
