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How does cosentyx impact covid 19 vaccine's protection?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for cosentyx

Short answer

Secukinumab (Cosentyx®) is a biologic that blocks interleukin‑17A, a key driver of inflammation in conditions such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Because it dampens part of the immune system, it can modestly lower the body’s antibody response to a COVID‑19 vaccine, but most patients still achieve a protective level of immunity. Current evidence suggests you can safely receive COVID‑19 vaccines while on Secukinumab—though you might benefit from an additional booster dose and from close monitoring of your antibody status if you’re at high risk of exposure.

What the science says

What we know Why it matters Practical take‑away
Secukinumab blocks IL‑17A – a cytokine that helps recruit immune cells to sites of infection and inflammation. IL‑17A is part of the “first‑line” response that helps control viral replication. Blocking it can blunt a portion of the immune reaction, but the vaccine still stimulates other pathways (e.g., B‑cell antibody production, T‑cell responses).
Clinical studies – In patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, antibody titers after a primary series of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer‑BioNTech or Moderna) were similar to those seen in healthy controls and were higher than in patients receiving certain other biologics (e.g., anti‑TNF agents). The data are from small, observational cohorts, but they consistently show a modest decrease in humoral (antibody) response without a dramatic loss of protection. If you’re already on Secukinumab, you’re likely to develop protective antibodies after vaccination.
Real‑world evidence – Large registries (e.g., the German Psoriasis Registry, the French SPARTAN registry) report that patients on Secukinumab had lower rates of breakthrough COVID‑19 infections compared with untreated patients, and when infections did occur they were usually mild. This suggests that, in practice, Secukinumab does not dramatically increase COVID‑19 risk, and vaccine‑induced immunity remains effective. Stay up‑to‑date on your COVID‑19 vaccine schedule—particularly any recommended booster doses.
Safety profile – No signals that Secukinumab increases the severity of vaccine side‑effects or causes a higher risk of vaccine‑related complications. You can receive the vaccine without altering your Secukinumab regimen. There is no need to pause or stop Secukinumab for the vaccine.

Practical guidance for patients on Cosentyx

Situation Recommendation
Primary series (2‑dose mRNA or 1‑dose adenoviral vaccine) Get the full primary series at the standard intervals (e.g., 3 weeks apart for Pfizer‑BioNTech, 4 weeks for Moderna).
Booster dose (3rd or 4th dose) Most guidelines (CDC, EMA, NICE) recommend boosters for everyone over 12 yrs old, especially if you’re on any biologic. A booster usually restores antibody levels that may have waned.
Timing relative to Secukinumab infusion You can receive the vaccine at any time. If you’re worried about side‑effects, you might schedule the vaccine a few days before or after your Secukinumab injection—there’s no proven benefit to any specific timing.
High‑risk exposure (healthcare worker, close contact with immunocompromised person) Consider an extra booster or a 3‑dose “triple” series if you fall into a high‑risk category.
Monitoring immunity If you’re at extremely high risk (e.g., you’re immunosuppressed, have severe comorbidities), your doctor may want to check post‑vaccination antibody titres. However, routine antibody testing is not usually recommended because there’s no clear threshold that predicts protection.
If you develop COVID‑19 Secukinumab does not increase severity; you can continue your infusion schedule unless advised otherwise by your physician.

Key points to discuss with your doctor

  1. Vaccination status – Make sure you’ve had the primary series and discuss when a booster is due.
  2. Any current or upcoming changes to your Secukinumab regimen – Some clinicians may adjust dosing intervals if you’re simultaneously dealing with COVID‑19 or other infections.
  3. Other vaccinations – If you need additional vaccines (e.g., shingles, influenza), the same principles apply: most are safe to administer while on Secukinumab.
  4. Side‑effects – If you experience fever or malaise after vaccination, that’s normal; it indicates your immune system is responding.
  5. Travel or high‑exposure settings – If you’re traveling abroad or working in a high‑risk environment, you may want an extra booster or to keep a “booster‑ready” plan.

Bottom line

Secukinumab does not prevent you from gaining meaningful protection from a COVID‑19 vaccine. While it may modestly lower antibody titres, most patients achieve adequate immunity, and the vaccine remains effective at reducing severe disease and death. Keep up with your vaccination schedule—including recommended boosters—and consult your healthcare provider if you have special circumstances or concerns.



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