Secukinumab

Secukinumab, trade name Cosentyx, is a human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds to the protein interleukin (IL)-17A,and is marketed by Novartis for the treatment of psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Secukinumab, trade name Cosentyx, is a human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds to the protein interleukin (IL)-17A,and is marketed by Novartis for the treatment of psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. It inhibits a member of the cytokine family, interleukin 17A. It is used to treat psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. It is given by subcutaneous injection and is sold in a pre-filled syringe or autoinjector that can be used at home and as a lyophilized powder for use in hospitals and clinics. Secukinumab was not tested in pregnant women; animal studies did not show harm at relevant doses. The US Food and Drug Administration advises that the drug should be used in pregnant women only if the risk to the fetus is justified by the potential benefit; the European Medicines Agency advises that women should not become pregnant while taking it. Secukinumab should not be given to people with active infections since it suppresses the immune system. Very common (greater than 10% of people experience them) adverse effects include upper respiratory tract infections. Common (between 1% and 10% of people experience them) include oral herpes, runny nose, and diarrhea. In clinical trials there were rare instances of hypersensitivity reactions, severe infections, and some cases of serious inflammatory bowel disease, some of which were new and some of which were exacerbations of existing conditions. Caution should be used when starting secukinumab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and patients being treated with secukinumab should be monitored for signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Secukinumab inhibits a member of the cytokine family, interleukin 17A, which is produced mainly by inflammatory T helper 17 cells. IL17A is upregulated in serum of people with psoriasis and in the synovial fluid of people with psoriatic arthritis, and promotes inflammation when it binds to the interleukin-17 receptor which is expressed in various types of cells, including keratinocytes in skin.