Phase III updates on long-term performance of Cosentyx

At the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology, in Madrid, Basel-based Novartis (NOVN: VX) has announced new data on Cosentyx (secukinumab) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

The company says the data show the drug can produce sustained improvements in the signs and symptoms for active AS at three years. The drug also provides rapid and sustained pain relief in patients with active PsA out to two years.

Novartis says it is recruiting for a new head-to head clinical trial to compare Cosentyx with Humira (adalimumab) in PsA.