8 November 2017 - - East Hanover, New Jersey-based healthcare solutions provider Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. has released results from the FUTURE 5 study showing Cosentyx (secukinumab) reduced the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) while significantly inhibiting the progression of joint structural damage in PsA patients compared to placebo at 24 weeks, the company said.
The Phase III study participants (n=996) were randomised to receive Cosentyx, 300 mg with loading dosage, 150 mg with LD, 150 mg without LD, or placebo.
At week 24, more participants treated with Cosentyx had no worsening of joint structural damage compared to placebo, as measured by the modified total van der Heijde Sharp score (mTSS), a detailed scoring method evaluating erosion in the joints.
Participants taking Cosentyx achieved significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of PsA compared to placebo at 16 weeks, as measured by the ACR, a standard tool used to assess improvement of PsA signs and symptoms such as tender and swollen joints, pain and physical functioning.
The safety profile was consistent with that observed in previous studies and similar across arms, with no new adverse events identified. The most common adverse events at week 16 were upper respiratory tract infection, headache, hypertension, and urinary tract infection.
Cosentyx, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the interleukin-17A (IL-17A) cytokine and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor, is the only IL-17a approved for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis and PsA.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals is an affiliate of Novartis which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies.