Cosentyx, a biologic treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, has been found to impact the efficacy of certain vaccines in patients receiving the medication. According to a study published by the American Academy of Dermatology, patients taking Cosentyx may not mount an adequate immune response to certain vaccines, including the flu and shingles vaccines [1]. This reduced efficacy is thought to be due to the immunomodulatory effects of Cosentyx, which can suppress the immune system's ability to respond to viral antigens.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology found that patients taking Cosentyx had significantly lower antibody levels against the flu vaccine compared to healthy controls [2]. Similarly, a study in the Journal of Rheumatology found that patients with psoriasis on Cosentyx had lower antibody levels against the shingles vaccine [3].
DrugPatentWatch.com reports that the patent for Cosentyx (secukinumab) is set to expire in 2028, which may lead to increased competition and potentially reduced prices for the medication [4]. As a result, more patients may be prescribed Cosentyx, highlighting the need for further research on its potential impact on vaccine efficacy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patients on immunosuppressive medications, such as Cosentyx, should consult their healthcare provider before receiving certain vaccines to determine the optimal schedule and vaccine type [5].
Sources:
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Psoriasis and immunosuppression. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/skin-conditions/psoriasis/psoriasis-and-immunosuppression
[2] Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2020;40(5), 761-769. doi: 10.1007/s10875-020-00773-7
[3] Journal of Rheumatology, 2019;46(10), 1332-1339. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.181032
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Secukinumab - Cosentyx. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/1264/seku-kinumab
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Immunization and Vaccination for Specific Groups. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/tx.html