Novartis Psoriasis Drug Shows Promising Results

Editor's Choice Main Category: Eczema / Psoriasis Also Included In: Dermatology Article Date: 27 Sep 2012 - 10:00 PDT

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Novartis added that the patients on secukinumab enjoyed improved quality of life by the twelfth week of therapy.

Prof. Kristian Reich, one of the study investigators said:

The AIN457 (secukinumab) trial results were presented today at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 21st Congress, in Prague, Czech Republic.

According to new data on the Phase II trial, AIN457 is almost three times as effective than placebo in alleviating moderate-to-severe plague psoriasis on the hands, feet and nails during the first month of treatment (54.3% versus 19.2% on placebo). Novartis added that "patients also benefited if they received AIN457 once every four weeks, with 39.0% experiencing either "clear" or "minimal" psoriasis after 12 weeks of treatment. Another analysis found that these AIN457 treatment schedules also notably reduced the signs and symptoms of finger nail psoriasis compared to placebo."

The most common adverse events reports were infections.

Other data include:

John Hohneker, Head of Development for Integrated Hospital Care for the Pharmaceuticals Division of Novartis, said:

The AIN457 pivotal human studies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis are "on track", the company says. The trials, involving over 3,000 participants, are attracting interest among both patients and health care professionals. Novartis says it will be releasing data on the Phase III trials in 2013. Soon after, if the data is favorable, submissions to regulatory authorities will be presented.

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Novartis Psoriasis Drug Shows Promising Results