Novartis got an approval from the USFDA for a label update for its plaque psoriasis inhibitor Cosentyx (secukinumab).
Novartis said Thursday that its first interleukin-17A inhibitor approved to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, will have label updated in moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis, the forms of the disease which affects approximately half of all psoriasis patients. According to Novartis, the label update is effective in the US immediately, and is based on the proven efficacy and consistent safety profile of Cosentyx from a dedicated Phase III scalp psoriasis trial.
The updated label for Cosentyx in scalp psoriasis addresses an important unmet need. Scalp psoriasis can be challenging to treat with topical agents or phototherapy due to the presence of hair and other factors. Approximately half of all 125 million patients with psoriasis suffer from scalp psoriasis.
Eric Hughes, Global Development Unit Head, Immunology & Dermatology, said: “This is an important label update for Cosentyx, the first IL-17A inhibitor approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It confirms the additional value Cosentyx offers to patients who seek a treatment effective in various areas of the body.”
Image: The logo of Swiss drugmaker Novartis is seen at its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland October 22, 2013. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo