# Lilly Trial Links Taltz-Zepbound Combination to Biomarker Changes

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/29237
Published: 2026-10-09T20:07:52.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-09T20:07:52.000Z
Section: Business

> The Phase 3b study found higher rates of complete skin clearance and weight loss with the combination than with Taltz alone in adults with plaque psoriasis and obesity or overweight.

Eli Lilly’s Taltz and Zepbound combination produced higher rates of skin clearance and weight loss than Taltz alone and was associated with broader biomarker changes in adults with plaque psoriasis and obesity or overweight.

The Phase 3b TOGETHER-PsO trial randomized 274 adults in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Taltz alone or Taltz with Zepbound. Both groups also received counseling on a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

At Week 36, 27.1% of patients receiving both medicines achieved complete skin clearance, measured by PASI 100, and at least 10% weight loss. The figure was 5.8% among patients taking Taltz alone. The difference met the primary endpoint with P<0.001.

PASI 100 was reached by 40.6% of combination-treatment patients, compared with 29.0% of those receiving Taltz alone. The result met a key secondary endpoint with P<0.05.

The exploratory analysis reported changes in 482 proteins and 467 genes among combination-treatment patients by Week 36. Taltz alone was associated with changes in 140 proteins and 16 genes.

At Week 52, 30.6% of patients receiving both medicines achieved PASI 100 and at least 10% weight loss, compared with 4.4% of patients receiving Taltz alone. The Week 52 analysis was exploratory and lacked multiplicity control.

The 52-week study was randomized, multicenter, assessor-blinded and open-label. Open-label means participants and investigators knew which treatment each patient received.

Taltz, or ixekizumab, is an interleukin-17A inhibitor approved for plaque psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. Zepbound, or tirzepatide, is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

The trial examined concurrent use of two approved medicines and did not announce a new combined-use indication.

“Psoriasis and obesity can profoundly impact how people feel, how they are seen, and how they live,” Adrienne Brown, executive vice president and president of Lilly Immunology, said.

“Psoriasis and obesity share underlying inflammatory pathways, yet they are too often treated in silos,” Mark Lebwohl, the TOGETHER-PsO principal investigator, said.