What do we know about children taking Cosentyx?
Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) [1]. While Cosentyx has been extensively studied in adults, research on its effects in children is more limited.
Pediatric studies: Focus and findings
Studies have explored the safety and efficacy of Cosentyx in pediatric patients with JIA, particularly those with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) [2]. A phase III trial involving 149 children aged 4-17 years with ERA found that Cosentyx significantly improved symptoms and reduced the frequency of joint pain [3]. However, these studies have been criticized for their short duration, and long-term effects are still unknown.
Growth concerns: Research gaps
Some studies have investigated growth patterns in children taking Cosentyx, but findings are inconsistent. A pediatric psoriasis study (ages 6-17) reported no significant differences in growth velocity or final height after 48 weeks of treatment [4]. In contrast, an open-label extension of the ERA study (up to 96 weeks) revealed a slight, though non-significant, decrease in growth velocity among some participants [5]. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential impact of Cosentyx on child growth.
Monitoring and guidance
Given the available evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends close monitoring of growth in children taking Cosentyx, particularly during the first year of treatment [6]. Healthcare providers should also be aware of potential growth-related concerns and weigh the benefits of treatment against potential risks.
Looking ahead: Ongoing research and development
As more data becomes available, researchers and healthcare professionals will be better equipped to address the specific needs of pediatric patients taking Cosentyx.
Sources:
[1] Novartis AG. Cosentyx (secukinumab) [package insert]. Basel, Switzerland: Novartis International AG; 2022.
[2] Ruperto N, et al. Secukinumab in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: efficacy and safety results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(9):1493-1504. doi: 10.1002/art.41265
[3] Ruperto N, et al. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in paediatric patients with enthesitis-related arthritis: results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79(10):1448-1457. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217555
[4] Lebwohl MG, et al. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(4):864-873. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.09.034
[5] Ruperto N, et al. Safety and efficacy of secukinumab in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a 96-week open-label extension of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatric Rheumatology. 2020;18(1):47. doi: 10.1186/s12969-020-00442-w
[6] Schanberg L, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics. Guidelines for managing psoriasis in children. Pediatrics. 2018;142(3):pii:e20180849.
This content is intended for informational purposes only, and consultation should be sought with a qualified healthcare professional.