Novartis receives FDA nod for new indication of Cosentyx

Patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis will have a new treatment option.

The Food and Drug Administration has given its blessing to Novartis' Cosentyx (secukinumab) for this new indication. 

“The results from the Prevent trial show that there was a significant reduction in disease activity for patients treated with Cosentyx versus placebo,” said Atul Deodhar,  professor of medicine and medical director of Rheumatology Clinics at Oregon Health & Science University, and an investigator in the Prevent clinical trial. “This approval brings a new therapeutic option to people living with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.”

“There is a need for additional treatment options. Having a new treatment option for the axSpA community is truly encouraging," said Cassie Shafer, CEO of the Spondylitis Association of America. “Helping reduce the burden on people living with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis by improving symptoms that affect their daily lives remains a critical focus for the SAA.”

Cosentyx also is indicated for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.