Novartis has announced first-of-its-kind long-term data showing that Cosentyx (secukinumab) provided sustained improvements in nail and palmoplantar psoriasis out to 2.5 years. These data are unique as it is the first time any biologic has demonstrated long-term efficacy and safety in nail and palmoplantar psoriasis. These new data from a clinical study were presented at the 8th International Congress of Psoriasis from Gene to Clinic in London, UK.
Up to 90% of psoriasis patients may develop nail psoriasis or palmoplantar psoriasis[3],[4], which affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Both nail and palmoplantar psoriasis heavily impact patients’ quality of life leading to reduced mobility, functional impairment and physical discomfort.
Cosentyx addresses the cornerstone cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) involved in the development and progression of psoriasis, and is the first and only fully human IL-17A inhibitor to show sustained skin clearance rates at 5 years in psoriasis, the company said. By working to specifically target and inhibit IL-17A, Cosentyx can more effectively address the underlying cause of the disease. To date, psoriasis treatments targeting other, less direct, pathways have not shown long-term efficacy out to 2.5 years in these hard-to-treat forms.
“Patients with nail and palmoplantar psoriasis need effective treatment options to address the significant impact these conditions can have on their day-to-day lives,” said Eric Hughes, Global Development Unit Head, Immunology & Dermatology. “As an IL-17A inhibitor, Cosentyx provides a highly targeted treatment option that can not only effectively treat the plaques caused by psoriasis, as evident by recently presented 5-year data, but also hard-to-treat forms and associated arthritic conditions.”