The FDA recently approved Cosentyx as a viable treatment option for two different types of inflammatory conditions.
+ Technology/Innovation
Kasey Schefflin- Emrich | Jan 28, 2016

FDA approves Cosentyx as treatment for two inflammatory conditions

Novartis Pharmaceuticals' treatment, Cosentyx, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Also known as secukinumab, Cosentyx is the first and only interleukin-17A inhibitor approved for use in adult patients suffering from these painful and debilitating inflammatory diseases. AS and PsA can lead to irreversible damage to the spine and joints if not treated effectively. Current treatments for the two conditions have either not been tolerated well by patients or patients have reported being dissatisfied with them.

The FDA based its approval of Cosentyx on the results from four Phase III studies involving more than 1,500 patients diagnosed with either AS or PsA.

"These new approvals are a potential turning point for people living with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis in the U.S., as Cosentyx provides a novel and targeted way of inhibiting the inflammatory process of these two conditions," Novartis Pharmaceuticals Division Head David Epstein said. "The results from our studies have shown that the majority of patients treated with Cosentyx have a significant reduction in their signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, and show major improvements in their ability to undertake everyday activities."

The FDA previously approved Cosentyx as a treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in January 2015.

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