Summary

Evidence from both animal and human models regarding the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) and the T-helper cell (Th17) that secretes it provides a compelling rationale for therapeutic targeting of IL-17 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Ixekizumab (LY2439821) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases [Peck A and Mellins ED. Infect Immun 2010; Sarkar S and Fox DA. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2010]. This article presents results from an international Phase 2, 2 Dose-Ranging Study of Multiple Subcutaneous Doses of LY2439821 in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis on Concomitant DMARD Therapy [NCT00966875].