1. What Is Copellor (Ixekizumab)?
Copellor® is the brand name for Ixekizumab, a humanised anti-interleukin-17A (anti-IL-17A) IgG4 monoclonal antibody manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company India Pvt Ltd and approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). It is available as an 80mg/mL subcutaneous injection in a pre-filled syringe or auto-injector.
Ixekizumab works by selectively binding and neutralising Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) — a pro-inflammatory cytokine central to the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. By blocking IL-17A, Copellor interrupts the inflammatory cascade at its source, producing rapid and sustained clinical remission across multiple immune-mediated inflammatory conditions.
A.K. Pharma, a licensed medicine distributor in Delhi and pharmaceutical distributor in Delhi, supplies genuine Copellor (Ixekizumab) to hospitals, dermatology centres, rheumatology units, and institutional pharmacies across India.
2. Mechanism of Action — How Ixekizumab Works
IL-17A is produced predominantly by Th17 cells and acts on keratinocytes and synovial fibroblasts to amplify inflammatory signalling. In psoriasis, excess IL-17A drives keratinocyte hyperproliferation, the formation of the thickened, scaly plaques characteristic of the disease. In spondyloarthropathies, IL-17A promotes joint inflammation, new bone formation, and enthesitis.
According to published immunology literature, Ixekizumab binds IL-17A with high affinity (KD ~3 pM), preventing its interaction with the IL-17 receptor and downstream activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. This targeted mechanism produces significant clinical improvement without broadly suppressing the immune system in the manner of older agents such as methotrexate or ciclosporin.
This precision — binding IL-17A specifically rather than upstream cytokines — explains the drug’s favourable efficacy-to-safety profile across dermatology and rheumatology indications.
3. Approved Indications for Copellor (Ixekizumab) in India
3.1 Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Copellor is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 6 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy. In the landmark UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2, and UNCOVER-3 trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet, Ixekizumab demonstrated superior skin clearance compared to both placebo and etanercept at week 12:
| Endpoint | Ixekizumab Q2W | Etanercept | Placebo |
| PASI 75 | ~87% | ~44% | ~4% |
| PASI 90 | ~70% | ~25% | ~1% |
| PASI 100 (Complete clearance) | ~35–40% | ~7% | <1% |
| IGA 0/1 (Clear/Almost clear) | ~81% | ~41% | ~3% |
These results established Ixekizumab as one of the highest-performing biologics for plaque psoriasis in terms of complete skin clearance rates. Responses are maintained over 60 weeks of continuous treatment, according to extension data from the UNCOVER programme.
3.2 Paediatric Plaque Psoriasis (Children ≥6 Years)
Copellor is also approved for children aged 6 years and above with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Dosing in children is weight-based:
| Body Weight | Loading Dose (Week 0) | Maintenance Dose |
| ≤25 kg | 40mg (0.5mL) | 20mg Q4W |
| >25 kg to ≤50 kg | 80mg (1mL) | 40mg Q4W |
| >50 kg | 160mg (2mL) | 80mg Q2W × 6, then 80mg Q4W |
Paediatric data supporting this indication was published in the IXORA-PEDS study, demonstrating significantly superior skin clearance compared to placebo in children aged 6–18 with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
3.3 Psoriatic Arthritis
In psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Copellor is approved for adults with active disease. The SPIRIT-P1 trial (biologic-naïve patients) and SPIRIT-P2 trial (TNF inhibitor-experienced patients) demonstrated significant improvements in ACR20/50/70 response rates, inhibition of structural joint damage, and improvement in enthesitis and dactylitis. Ixekizumab is an important option for PsA patients with prominent skin disease, where it simultaneously addresses both joint and skin manifestations.
3.4 Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
For adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (radiographic axial spondyloarthritis), the COAST-V trial in biologic-naïve patients and the COAST-W trial in TNF-inhibitor-experienced patients showed statistically significant ASAS40 response rates versus placebo, with rapid onset of action and sustained improvement in disease activity, physical function, and inflammation markers.
3.5 Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
The COAST-X trial demonstrated Ixekizumab’s efficacy in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis — patients with inflammatory back pain and MRI or CRP evidence of disease activity but without definitive radiographic sacroiliitis. This extends the drug’s utility to earlier-stage spondyloarthropathy patients who may benefit from biological therapy before structural damage progresses.
4. Dosing and Administration
Copellor is administered by subcutaneous injection — either via auto-injector pen or pre-filled syringe. The standard adult dosing schedule for plaque psoriasis is:
| Phase | Dose | Timing |
| Loading dose | 160mg (two 80mg injections) | Week 0 |
| Induction phase | 80mg | Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (Q2W) |
| Maintenance phase | 80mg | Every 4 weeks (Q4W) |
For psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and nr-axSpA in adults, the loading dose is 160mg at week 0, followed by 80mg Q4W maintenance. In PsA patients with co-existing moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, the psoriasis dosing schedule (loading + Q2W induction + Q4W maintenance) is applied.
Copellor can be self-administered by patients or carers after appropriate training, making it suitable for outpatient and home administration. Physicians should confirm adequate injection technique before initiating home use.
All dosing decisions must be made by the treating physician in accordance with the approved prescribing information. This table is for reference purposes only.
5. Pre-Treatment Screening Requirements
Before initiating Copellor, the treating physician should complete the following screening, as recommended in the approved prescribing information:
- Tuberculosis (TB): Screen for latent and active TB before initiating therapy. Copellor should not be initiated in patients with active TB. Treat latent TB before starting therapy.
- Hepatitis B: Screen for hepatitis B infection. Carriers should be monitored and managed by a hepatologist.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IL-17A inhibitors, including Ixekizumab, have been associated with exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. Use with caution in patients with known Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis — these patients require close monitoring.
- Active infections: Do not initiate Copellor in patients with active clinically important infections. Delay treatment until the infection resolves.
- Hypersensitivity: Rare cases of anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Ixekizumab or any excipient should not receive the drug.
For full contraindications, refer to the Ixekizumab (Taltz) prescribing information and NCBI StatPearls — Ixekizumab.
6. Cold Chain Storage and Handling
Copellor (Ixekizumab) is a biological product requiring strict cold chain management throughout storage and transport. Key requirements per the manufacturer’s prescribing information:
- Refrigerated storage: Store at 2°C to 8°C in a validated pharmaceutical-grade refrigerator.
- Do not freeze: Freezing permanently damages the product. Frozen product should not be used.
- Protect from light: Store in the original carton until administration.
- Room temperature excursion: Copellor may be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 5 days. Once removed from refrigeration, do not return to the refrigerator — use within 5 days or discard.
- Transport: Use insulated cold-chain packaging with temperature monitoring during dispatch.
- Inspect before use: Check the pre-filled syringe or auto-injector for particulates, discolouration, or physical damage. Do not use a damaged or expired product.
As a responsible pharmaceutical distributor in Delhi, A.K. Pharma maintains full cold chain compliance from storage through to dispatch, ensuring every Copellor shipment arrives at your facility within the required 2°C–8°C temperature range, with temperature-monitored insulated packaging.
7. Side Effects and Safety Profile
7.1 Common Side Effects
The following side effects were reported in ≥1% of patients in clinical trials, per published data from the UNCOVER programme and the FDA prescribing information:
| Side Effect | Approximate Frequency | Clinical Note |
| Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling) | Most common (~17%) | Usually mild; occurs more in induction phase |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | Common (~14%) | Including rhinopharyngitis and sinusitis |
| Nausea | Common | Usually mild and transient |
| Tinea infections | Less common | Monitor — IL-17A has antifungal role |
| Oropharyngeal candidiasis | Less common (~2%) | Typically mild; responds to antifungal therapy |
7.2 Serious Side Effects
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Cases of new-onset or exacerbation of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have been reported with IL-17A inhibitors. Monitor patients with IBD risk factors closely; consider discontinuation if IBD occurs.
- Serious infections: Including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Advise patients to seek medical attention for signs of infection — fever, fatigue, unusual pain.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Rare cases of anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria reported. Ensure emergency management is available when administering the first dose in a clinical setting.
- Neutropenia: Rare cases of neutropenia reported; use with caution in patients predisposed to neutrophil abnormalities.
The complete safety profile is available at the FDA Ixekizumab safety information and in the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Taltz product page.
8. Copellor vs. Other IL-17A Inhibitors Available in India
Dermatologists and rheumatologists in India can now access multiple IL-17A inhibitors for plaque psoriasis and spondyloarthropathy. The table below provides a clinical reference comparison based on published head-to-head and network meta-analysis data:
| Feature | Copellor (Ixekizumab) | Scapho (Secukinumab) |
| Mechanism | Anti-IL-17A IgG4 mAb | Anti-IL-17A IgG1 mAb |
| PASI 90 (week 12) | ~70% | ~59% |
| PASI 100 (week 12) | ~35–40% | ~24–28% |
| Loading dose (psoriasis) | 160mg week 0 | 300mg weeks 0,1,2,3,4 |
| Maintenance schedule (psoriasis) | 80mg Q2W → Q4W | 300mg Q4W |
| Paediatric indication (plaque psoriasis) | Yes (≥6 years) | Yes (≥6 years) |
| AS/nr-axSpA indication | Yes | Yes |
| PsA indication | Yes | Yes |
| IBD risk | Yes — monitor | Yes — monitor |
| Device options | Auto-injector or pre-filled syringe | Auto-injector or pre-filled syringe |
For head-to-head efficacy data, see the published network meta-analyses in British Journal of Dermatology (BJD) and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD). A.K. Pharma supplies both Copellor (Ixekizumab) and Scapho (Secukinumab) — contact us if your centre is reviewing biologics for formulary inclusion.
9. Procurement of Copellor in India — Sourcing Guide
Copellor (Ixekizumab) is a Schedule H biological prescription medicine. It must be dispensed on prescription by a registered medical practitioner and can be procured by hospitals, specialty clinics, and institutional pharmacies through licensed pharmaceutical distributors.
9.1 Who Can Procure Copellor?
- Hospitals and medical institutions with active dermatology or rheumatology OPDs
- Specialty day-care infusion centres and biologics clinics
- Institutional pharmacies attached to teaching and private hospitals
- Registered pharmacy chains serving specialist physicians
9.2 Why Source Copellor Through A.K. Pharma?
- Licensed distributor: A.K. Pharma is a licensed medicine distributor in Delhi and pharmaceutical distributor in Delhi, holding all required drug licences for Schedule H biologics.
- Genuine product: 100% authentic Copellor sourced from Eli Lilly India-authorised channels. No grey-market or parallel import stock.
- Cold chain compliance: All Copellor orders are dispatched with temperature-monitored insulated cold-chain packaging to maintain the 2°C–8°C requirement throughout transit.
- Pan-India supply: A.K. Pharma supplies Copellor to hospitals and clinics across Delhi, NCR, and major cities nationwide — including Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations.
- Documentation: Full GST invoice, batch records, and cold chain dispatch documentation provided with every order.
- Bulk and institutional pricing: Competitive rates for hospitals with high-volume biologics programmes. Contact us for institutional purchase order support.
To request a quote or discuss supply arrangements, contact A.K. Pharma at 011 4172 6999 or WhatsApp +91 9810034827.
10. Related Biologics Available at A.K. Pharma
Hospitals and specialist centres sourcing Copellor (Ixekizumab) can also procure related biologics and specialty medicines through A.K. Pharma:
- Scapho (Secukinumab) — Anti-IL-17A for plaque psoriasis, PsA, and AS
- Simponi (Golimumab) — Anti-TNF for RA, PsA, and AS
- Dupixent (Dupilumab) — Anti-IL-4/IL-13 for atopic dermatitis and related conditions
- Betrecep (Abatacept) — T-cell co-stimulation modulator for RA and PsA
- Browse all Immunosuppressant Medicines at A.K. Pharma
- Browse the full Hospital Medicines range at A.K. Pharma
- Learn more About A.K. Pharma as a specialty medicine distributor
11. Frequently Asked Questions — Copellor (Ixekizumab) India
Q. What is Copellor used for?
Copellor (Ixekizumab) is used for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 6 years and above, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. It is an anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody approved by the DCGI and manufactured by Eli Lilly India. More information at NCBI StatPearls — Ixekizumab.
Q. What is the generic name of Copellor?
The generic (INN) name of Copellor is Ixekizumab. It contains 80mg/mL Ixekizumab as the active substance, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company India Pvt Ltd (marketed globally as Taltz®).
Q. How does Ixekizumab differ from Secukinumab?
Both Ixekizumab (Copellor) and Secukinumab (Scapho) target IL-17A, but Ixekizumab achieves higher PASI 90 and PASI 100 rates in head-to-head and network meta-analysis data. Ixekizumab uses a Q2W induction schedule followed by Q4W maintenance, while Secukinumab uses weekly induction doses. The choice between them depends on clinical, logistical, and patient factors — refer to EAU Psoriasis Treatment Guidelines for evidence-based comparison.
Q. Does Copellor require refrigeration?
Yes. Copellor must be stored at 2°C–8°C. It must not be frozen. A room-temperature excursion of up to 5 days below 30°C is permissible — but after removal from refrigeration, the product cannot be returned and must be used within 5 days. A.K. Pharma maintains cold chain storage and dispatches all Copellor with temperature-monitored insulated packaging.
Q. Is Copellor available in India?
Yes. Copellor (Ixekizumab) 80mg/mL injection is approved by DCGI and available in India through licensed pharmaceutical distributors. A.K. Pharma supplies Copellor to hospitals, dermatology centres, and rheumatology units across India.
Q. What is the price of Copellor in India?
Copellor pricing in India varies by order volume and supply arrangement. Contact A.K. Pharma at 011 4172 6999 or WhatsApp +91 9810034827 for current pricing and institutional rates.
Q. Can Copellor be used in children?
Yes. Copellor (Ixekizumab) is approved for children aged 6 years and above with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Dosing is weight-based — see the dosing table in Section 3.2 above. All paediatric dosing must be prescribed by a qualified physician.
Q. Is Copellor safe in patients with inflammatory bowel disease?
IL-17A inhibitors including Ixekizumab may exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease. Copellor is generally avoided in patients with active Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and used with caution in those with a history of IBD. The treating physician should assess the individual risk-benefit profile.
About A.K. Pharma — Medicine Distributor in Delhi
A.K. Pharma is a licensed medicine distributor and pharmaceutical distributor in Delhi, supplying genuine specialty and hospital medicines to healthcare institutions across India. We stock biologics, oncology agents, critical-care injectables, and hormone therapies — all maintained under manufacturer-recommended storage conditions. Our cold chain-compliant dispatch network serves NICUs, oncology centres, dermatology clinics, rheumatology units, and specialty hospitals across Delhi NCR and nationwide.
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