BASEL (dpa-AFX) - Novartis announced, first of its kind Phase III data showing Cosentyx or secukinumab delivered high and long-lasting skin clearance in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis at 5 years.
By specifically targeting interleukin-17A (IL-17A), Cosentyx addresses the key cytokine involved in the development of psoriasis. IL-17A plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis or AS. Inhibiting IL-17A is important as up to 30% of patients with psoriasis may have PsA.
Clear skin is the aim of psoriasis treatment, and a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, 90 or 100 response is considered an important measure of treatment success. Over the extended treatment period from Year 1 (Week 52) to the end of Year 5 (Week 260), PASI 75/90/100 response rates remained consistent.
PASI 75 and PASI 90 response rates were achieved by 89% and 69% of psoriasis patients, respectively, at Year 1 ('as observed' analysis) and this high rate was maintained to Year 5 (89% and 66%, respectively). In addition, 44% of psoriasis patients achieved completely clear skin (PASI 100) at Year 1 and this rate was maintained to Year 5 (41%). Cosentyx continued to have a favorable and consistent safety profile, and low immunogenicity.
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