Novartis Secures Two EC Approvals for Cosentyx

Swiss drug giant Novartis has won approval from the European Commission for its Cosentyx therapy for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is the first new treatment advance in 16 years for ankylosing spondylitis since the development of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, the current standard of care. The biologic is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes circulating IL-17A.

Studies found that Cosentyx provided a significant reduction in the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis in weeks one through three. The reduction was sustained over two years, according to the company.

The approvals follow an earlier EC green light of the biologic for first-line treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It is approved in 50 countries for this indication, including the EU, Switzerland, Australia, the U.S. and Canada.