New results from Phase III MEASURE 1 trial show patient response to Cosentyx (secukinumab) in ankylosing spondylitis- Novartis

Novartis announced two year results from an extension of the phase III MEASURE 1 pivotal study for Cosentyx (secukinumab) showing up to 80% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) had no radiographic progression in the spine on x-ray assessment. This is the first time that data on structural spinal progression in AS have been presented for an interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor. In addition, secukinumab showed a sustained response in improvements of signs and symptoms, physical function and quality of life in AS patients over two years. Data from 125 patients presented for secukinumab 150 mg showed that 74% achieved an ASAS 20 response (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society response criteria) at two years. The study enrolled patients who had either never taken, or who had previously been treated with, anti-TNF therapy, the current standard of care biologic. Quality of life and physical function scores were also maintained over two years. Secukinumab was well tolerated over the two year treatment period with a safety profile consistent with that observed in previous studies across multiple indications. These results were presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.

Comment: There are few therapeutic options available to people with AS and there is a significant unmet need for alternative treatment options. Up to 70% of patients with severe AS develop spinal fusion (where the bones grow together) over 10 to 15 years, which significantly reduces mobility. New treatment options are also urgently needed as many patients do not respond adequately to current medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and anti-TNF therapies, with up to 40% of patients not responding sufficiently to the latter.