ELI Lilly launches a psoriasis drug

Eli Lilly announced on Tuesday it had entered the dermatological space in the country by launching a medication for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The company has launched Copellor in the market after getting approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

The drug is designed to specifically target a protein that plays a role in triggering and maintaining inflammation in psoriasis.

"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," Eli Lilly and Company - India & India Subcontinent Managing Director Vineet Gupta said in a statement.

As a result of the availability of Copellor (Ixekizumab), healthcare providers will now have another option to successfully treat patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis, which is a huge unmet need in the country.

In accordance with the drug firm, Copellor must only be prescribed by a dermatologist or rheumatologist and used under medical supervision. Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune disorder of the skin in which prolonged inflammation leads to dry, thick, raised, red patches on the skin that continuously shed silvery scales.