Novartis announces secukinumab (AIN457) demonstrated superiority to Enbrel® in head-to-head Phase III psoriasis study

Posted: July 8, 2013 at 6:47 am

FIXTURE trial of more than 1,300 moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients showed superiority of secukinumab (AIN457) to Enbrel(etanercept) All primary and secondary endpoints were met FIXTURE is a pivotal trial for registration; Regulatory submissions for secukinumab (AIN457), a therapy targeting IL-17A, are on track for the second half of 2013

Basel, July 8, 2013 - Novartis announced today top-line results from the head-to-head Phase III psoriasis study which showed the superiority of secukinumab (AIN457) in clearing skin to Enbrel* (etanercept), an anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy. In addition, secukinumab (AIN457) met all primary and secondary endpoints.

The FIXTURE trial (the Full year Investigative eXamination of secukinumab vs. eTanercept Using 2 dosing Regimens to determine Efficacy in psoriasis) was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, multicenter global study of subcutaneous secukinumab (AIN457) in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis involving 1,307 patients. It was designed to demonstrate efficacy after 12 weeks of treatment, compared to placebo and etanercept, and to assess the safety, tolerability and long-term efficacy up to 52 weeks. Established treatment measures were used to assess the efficacy of secukinumab (AIN457) including PASI 75 (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75) and the Investigator`s Global Assessment (IGA mod 2011), a standard tool to assess the clearing of skin after treatment.

"These results showing that secukinumab (AIN457) is superior to Enbrel, a current standard-of-care therapy, are great news for people living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis," said Tim Wright, Global Head of Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "With 40-50% of people living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis dissatisfied with their current therapies, there is clearly an unmet medical need for new therapies that act faster and longer to relieve pain, itching and other symptoms."

Full results from the secukinumab (AIN457) Phase III study program, the largest undertaken in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis to date, are expected to be presented at major medical congresses later this year.

Secukinumab (AIN457) is the first medicine selectively targeting IL-17A to present Phase III results. IL-17A is a central cytokine (messenger protein) in the development of psoriasis, and is found in high concentration in skin affected by the disease[1]-[3]. Research shows that IL-17A plays a role in driving the body`s autoimmune response in disorders such as moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and is a preferred target for investigational therapies[1]-[5].

In the FIXTURE study, the observed safety profile of secukinumab (AIN457) was consistent with previously reported results from Phase II studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and no new safety concerns were identified[6],[7].

About plaque psoriasis Approximately 2% of the world`s population, or around 125 million people, are affected by plaque psoriasis[8],[9], with more than one third of these suffering from its moderate-to-severe form[10]. Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by thick and extensive skin lesions, called plaques, known to cause itching, scaling and pain[8]. This common and distressing disease is not simply a cosmetic problem - even those with very mild symptoms find their condition affects their everyday lives[11]. Psoriasis is also associated with psychosocial effects and those with more severe disease are at a greater risk of death from comorbid diseases such as heart disease and diabetes[12],[13].

About the secukinumab (AIN457) clinical trial program in psoriasis The robust secukinumab (AIN457) Phase III clinical trial program involved more than 3,300 patients in over 35 countries on five continents. Primary endpoints for four studies related to PASI 75 and IGA (IGA mod 2011) and the fifth study evaluated the proportion of patients who maintained PASI 75 after having achieved PASI 75 after 12 weeks of active treatment. The studies evaluated 150 mg and 300 mg doses of secukinumab (AIN457).

About secukinumab (AIN457) Secukinumab (AIN457) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes IL-17A, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine[1]-[3]. Proof-of-concept and Phase II studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and arthritic conditions (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis) have suggested that secukinumab (AIN457) may potentially provide a new mechanism of action for the successful treatment of immune-mediated diseases[6],[7],[14]-[16]. The Phase III programs for these potential indications are ongoing. Results are being released this year for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and in 2014 and beyond for arthritic conditions. Phase II studies are also ongoing in other areas, including multiple sclerosis.

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Novartis announces secukinumab (AIN457) demonstrated superiority to Enbrel® in head-to-head Phase III psoriasis study

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