
Novartis provides promising update on Cosentyx in plaque psoriasis
pharmafile | June 26, 2019 | News story | Research and Development | Cosentyx, Novartis, pharma, psoriasis
Novartis has revealed brief new data on its IL-17A antibody Cosentyx (secukinumab) in the treatment off plaque psoriasis, showing that the therapy “improves inflammation and rapidly supresses IL-23” in cases of the disease.
Published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the findings indicated that Cosentyx generated a “substantial improvement” in inflammation for the majority of patients after as little as 12 weeks by modulating gene expression and reversing plaque histopathology.
Additionally, treatment with the therapy also led to a “rapid and sustained suppression” of additional cytokines, including IL-23 and IL-17F.
“The results of the study highlight the importance of a direct inhibition of IL-17A,” commented Sam Khalil, Worldwide Head of Medical Affairs Immunology, Hepatology and Dermatology at Novartis. “We are excited about this gene expression data which is adding value to the scientific understanding of psoriatic disease. We reimagine science to help improve patients’ quality of life.”
Despite these promising findings, the company said that further analysis of clinical, histological and gene transcription changes would be necessary to accurately assess the “full potential” of IL-17A inhibition.
Matt Fellows
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