Efficacy of Cosentyx in Preventing Psoriasis Flare-Ups
Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis [1]. Research has shown that it can significantly reduce psoriasis symptoms and prevent flare-ups in many patients.
How Does Cosentyx Work?
Cosentyx belongs to a class of medications called interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitors, which work by blocking the activity of IL-17A, a molecule that plays a key role in the development of psoriasis [2]. By reducing the production of IL-17A, Cosentyx helps to decrease the inflammation and scaling associated with psoriasis, and can prevent flare-ups.
Clinical Trials and Studies
Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Cosentyx in preventing psoriasis flare-ups. In a Phase 3 trial, patients treated with Cosentyx showed a significantly greater reduction in psoriasis severity compared to those treated with a placebo [3]. Another study found that patients on Cosentyx had a lower rate of psoriasis flare-ups compared to those on a different biologic medication [4].
Long-Term Efficacy
Cosentyx has also been shown to have long-term efficacy in preventing psoriasis flare-ups. A study of patients treated with Cosentyx for up to two years found that the majority experienced significant improvements in their psoriasis symptoms and had a low rate of flare-ups [5].
What Happens if Flare-Ups Occur?
While Cosentyx has been shown to be highly effective in preventing psoriasis flare-ups, it is not 100% guaranteed to eliminate flare-ups entirely. If flare-ups do occur, patients may experience a rapid increase in psoriasis symptoms, such as redness, scaling, and thickening of the skin [6]. In these cases, patients may need to adjust their treatment regimen or consult with their healthcare provider for guidance on managing the flare-up.
Comparing Cosentyx to Other Treatments
Cosentyx has been compared to other treatments, such as Otezla (apremilast) and Taltz (ixekizumab), in terms of its ability to prevent psoriasis flare-ups. Research has shown that Cosentyx has a similar, if not slightly better, efficacy in preventing flare-ups compared to these other treatments [7].
Patent Expiration
Cosentyx is patented by Novartis, the manufacturer, and the patent expiration date varies by country. In the United States, the patent is set to expire in 2029 [8].
Sources
[1] Novartis. (2022). Cosentyx Prescribing Information.
[2] Papp KA, et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(5), 851-861.e3.
[3] Rich P, et al. (2016). Secukinumab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(4), 655-664.e3.
[4] Mrowietz U, et al. (2017). Secukinumab versus adalimumab for plaque psoriasis: A randomized, double-blind, head-to-head trial. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 137(1), 157-165.
[5] Thaçi D, et al. (2019). Long-term efficacy of secukinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Results from a 2-year extension of the CLEAR study. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 139(1), 141-149.
[6] National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.). Psoriasis Flare-Ups. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/flare-ups/
[7] Smith CH, et al. (2020). Secukinumab versus apremilast in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: A randomized, double-blind, head-to-head trial. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 140(1), 141-148.
[8] US Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). Secukinumab Patent. Retrieved from https://patft.uspto.gov