Cosentyx successful in plaque psoriasis trial

Novartis has announced new data showing that its IL-17A antibody, Cosentyx, improves inflammation and rapidly suppresses IL-23 in plaque psoriasis. The announcement states that the drug successfully modulates gene expression leading to substantial improvement of inflammation, as early as week 12 by reversing plaque histopathology in the majority of patients. The results also showed that the treatment induces a rapid and sustained suppression of additional cytokines, including IL-23 and IL-17F. Sam Khalil, worldwide head of medical affairs immunology, hepatology and dermatology at Novartis said that the results of the study “highlight the importance of a direct inhibition of IL-17A,” and explained that the company are “excited about this gene expression data which is adding value to the scientific understanding of psoriatic disease. We reimagine science to help improve patients' quality of life." The success comes hot on the heels of the drug’s success in key manifestations of psoriatic arthritis earlier this month, when it was found to show efficacy and safety of a biologic in the management of axial manifestations of psoriatic arthritis, in first-of-its kind data.