Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and inhibits interleukin-17A (IL-17A). IL-17A is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Cosentyx was developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Mechanism of Action

IL-17A is a key cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. It stimulates the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines which promote the development of psoriatic plaques by recruiting and activating T cells and neutrophils. Cosentyx drug works by selectively blocking the interaction of IL-17A with its receptor. This inhibits the downstream inflammatory cascade driven by IL-17A, providing an effective treatment option for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. By targeting a single specific cytokine rather than blocking multiple pathways, Cosentyx drug offers a more selective mechanism of action than other biologics.

Clinical Trial Results

The efficacy and safety of Cosentyx was evaluated in four Phase III clinical trials involving over 2,500 adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In the UNCOVER-1, UNCOVER-2 and UNCOVER-3 trials, Cosentyx demonstrated significantly higher clearance rates compared to placebo at week 12. The percentage of patients achieving Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75, 90 and 100 response rates were also superior to placebo and etanercept. In the CLEAR study, 76% of patients who received Cosentyx achieved PASI 75 response at week 12 compared to 5% with placebo. Cosentyx maintained its treatment effect through 1 year of treatment. It also demonstrated an early onset of action, with PASI 75 responses seen as early as week 4. Adverse events were mild to moderate in severity.

Dosing and Administration

The recommended dosage of Cosentyx drug for plaque psoriasis is 300 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks. It is available as a single-use prefilled syringe or prefilled pen, allowing for self-administration at home after proper training by a healthcare professional. No laboratory monitoring is required during treatment with Cosentyx.

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