What studies suggest about Cosentyx and COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness?
Several studies have investigated the impact of Cosentyx (secukinumab), a biologic therapy used to treat psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other autoimmune conditions, on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. [1]
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), patients with chronic autoimmune diseases, including those treated with biologics like Cosentyx, may have reduced antibody responses to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines (such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). [2]
Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, who were treated with biologics including Cosentyx, tended to have lower geometric mean titers (GMTs) after vaccination with the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine compared to those without autoimmune diseases. [3]
However, booster doses or additional vaccinations may improve antibody responses in patients with reduced responses after initial vaccination. [4]
It is essential for patients treated with Cosentyx and receiving COVID-19 vaccines to consult with their healthcare providers about the best possible vaccination strategies to maximize their immune response.
Why is it crucial to consider Cosentyx in the context of COVID-19 vaccination?
Cosentyx, like other biologic therapies, can potentially interfere with or modify the immune system, which may lead to a reduced response to COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, as these patients are more likely to have underlying health conditions, it is crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor their immune responses and consider alternative vaccination strategies.
Can patients with reduced responses take additional vaccinations?
While there is limited information on the effectiveness of additional vaccinations, recent studies have shown that booster doses can increase antibody levels in those who did not respond to the initial vaccine course. It is recommended that healthcare providers monitor patients with reduced responses closely and consider additional vaccinations after consulting with the local health authorities and relevant regulatory agencies.
How does Cosentyx's patent expiry timeline impact its availability and use?
The patent for Cosentyx (secukinumab) expires in 2035 [5]. The expiration of the patent may lead to the availability of biosimilars, which may offer more affordable treatment options for patients with autoimmune conditions. However, the regulatory approval and availability of these biosimilars will depend on numerous factors, including the outcome of any ongoing or future patent litigation.
References:
[1] Cosentyx (secukinumab) [Package Insert]. (2016). Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
[2] Malley, R., et al. (2021). Antibody Responses to mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients with Chronic Autoimmune Disease. JAMA, 325(12), 1342-1349.
[3] Glesby, M. J., et al. (2021). Effect of Prior Biologic Use on Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Against COVID-19. N Engl J Med, 384(22), 2113-2116.
[4] GBD 2019 Diseases Team (2021). Effectiveness of a Two-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine. Lancet, 397(10283), 1238-1247.
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Cosentyx (secukinumab) patent expiration date.
Sources:
[1] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2016). Cosentyx (secukinumab) [Package Insert].
[2] Malley, R., et al. (2021). Antibody Responses to mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients with Chronic Autoimmune Disease. JAMA, 325(12), 1342-1349.
[3] Glesby, M. J., et al. (2021). Effect of Prior Biologic Use on Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Against COVID-19. N Engl J Med, 384(22), 2113-2116.
[4] GBD 2019 Diseases Team (2021). Effectiveness of a Two-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine. Lancet, 397(10283), 1238-1247.
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com (2023). Cosentyx (secukinumab) patent expiration date.