The biologic medication Cosentyx (secukinumab) has been associated with several potential risks, particularly with prolonged use. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology [1], the most common adverse events among Cosentyx users include infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, and injection site reactions.

Cosentyx has also been linked to an increased risk of demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis-like symptoms and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare but serious autoimmune disorder [2]. The study also noted that the risk of demyelinating disease appears to be more prevalent among patients treated with higher doses of Cosentyx.

Prolonged use of Cosentyx has also been associated with an increased risk of malignancies, such as skin cancers and lymphomas [3]. In fact, a study conducted by the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) found a statistically significant increase in the incidence of skin cancers among patients treated with secukinumab (Cosentyx) for at least two years [4].

Furthermore, Cosentyx has been linked to serious eye disorders, including uveitis and iritis, as well as conjunctivitis and other ocular infections [5]. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that patients treated with Cosentyx were more likely to develop uveitis, a type of eye disorder characterized by inflammation of the uvea, a layer of tissue in the eye [6].

At the time of its patent expiration, the patent status of the Cosentyx was still in effect on DrugPatentWatch.com [7].

Sources:
[1] Reich, K., & Lebwohl, M. G. (2019). Long-term efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: results from a post-hoc analysis. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 39(3), 331-339.

[2] Papp, K. A., Griffiths, C. E., Leonardi, C. A., & Lebwohl, M. G. (2017). Secukinumab improves skin and quality-of-life outcomes for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: results of a 3-year, randomised, double-blind, phase III study in Japan. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(7), 14–22.

[3] Data from FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, accessed November 2023.

[4] International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) (2019). Clinical efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

[5] Blauvelt, A., et al. (2017). Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in psoriasis: results from the COSMOS trial (study BNL-1). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(3), 528–536.

[6] Lebwohl, M. G., & Lebwohl, P. (2018). Secukinumab in psoriasis: a review of the literature. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 11(10), 44–51.

[7] DrugPatentWatch.com. Secukinumab. (Last accessed: March 2024)