Cosentyx proves effective in treating psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease characterized by thick and extensive skin lesions (plaques) that cause itching, flaking and pain. These symptoms not only negatively affect the quality of life of patients, but also increase their risk of developing other chronic diseases. Patients suffering from psoriasis of the palms, soles and nails experience much more discomfort than those who have the disease localized on other parts of the body. They may experience difficulty walking, difficulty grasping and holding objects, more intense burning and soreness of the skin.

During the 23rd International Congress of Dermatology in Vancouver, Canada, Novartis presented clinical trial results demonstrating the efficacy of Cosentyx®; in the treatment of psoriasis of the hands, feet and nails.

Company representatives claim that Cosentyx® (secukinumab) showed satisfactory results in the treatment of patients with psoriasis of the hands, feet and nails compared with placebo in 2 clinical studies. It is these affected areas that are the most susceptible to treatment. Currently, Cosentyx® is the only IL-17A antagonist approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and has shown similar results.

"Moderate to severe forms of psoriasis are a heavy burden for patients. This is especially true for palmar psoriasis, which is not only a nuisance but also particularly difficult to treat," notes Alice Gottlieb, MD. , Chief of Dermatology and Chief Medical Officer at Tufts Medical Center, and Harvey Ansell, Professor of Dermatology at Tufts Medical Center.

In the first study, patients with moderate to severe palmar psoriasis received Cosentyx® for 16 weeks; (300 mg and 150 mg). As a result, they showed significant improvements (virtually clean palms and soles) according to the World Hand and Sole Assessment (33.3% Cosentyx 300 mg [P<0.0001], 22.1% Cosentyx 150 mg [P<0.001], 1.5% placebo). At the same time, the second study included patients suffering from nail psoriasis (with a psoriasis severity index ≥16 and the number of affected nail plastics ≥4). After 16 weeks of taking Cosentyx at 300 mg and 150 mg, patients showed significant improvements (reduction of lesions) from baseline (-45.3% with Cosentyx 300 mg [P<0.0001],

"These were the most definitive prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials that showed consistent results in the treatment of psoriasis of the palms, soles, and nails. Previously, these forms of psoriasis have been studied less extensively. In addition, the level of dissatisfaction with the results of existing  "Therapies" point to the need to find more effective treatments," said Vasant Narasimhan, Director of Business Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "These results only further prove that Cosentyx is effective in treating patients with psoriasis, including the most severe forms."

Features of Cosentyx® (secukinumab) and interleukin-17A

Cosentyx (formerly known as AIN457) is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds interleukin-17A and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor. To date, the drug is the only one approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy (light therapy). The recommended dose is 300 mg Cosentyx. The drug is administered subcutaneously in the following weeks: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and then 300 mg every 4 weeks. For some patients, an acceptable dose is 150 mg.

Contraindications to the use of the drug and common side effects

COSENTYX is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to secukinumab or any of the excipients.

The most common adverse events in the first study of Cosentyx 300 mg and 150 mg for treatment compared with placebo were nasopharyngitis (2.9%, 7.4% and 5.9%), upper respiratory infections (4, 3%, 5.9% and 4.4%) and headache (10.1%, 5.9% and 8.8%), respectively. Serious adverse effects were observed in 2.9% (300 mg), 5.9% (150 mg), and 2.9% (placebo). The most common adverse events during the second study were nasopharyngitis (16.9%, 20.9% and 12.3%), headache (6.2%, 6.0% and 6.2%), and upper respiratory infections. (1.5%, 7.5% and 1.5%) respectively. Serious adverse effects were noted in 1.5% (300 mg), 3.0% (150 mg) and 3.1% (placebo).