How does Ilumya work to treat psoriasis?

Ilumya is a human monoclonal antibody cytokine that works by targeting the p19 subunit of IL-23 to disrupt the inflammatory process involved in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes raised, itchy, red lesions and scales that can occur on the elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back.

In March, 2018 the FDA approved Ilumya (tildrakizumab-asmn), a humanized interleukin-23 p19 subunit antagonist (anti-IL-23p19) monoclonal antibody for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic treatment or phototherapy (ultraviolet or UV light).

The mechanism of psoriasis is thought to be due to activation of myeloid dendritic cells which release IL-23 and other cytokines to activate T cells (a type of white blood cell).