Novartis' secukinumab significantly more effective in psoriasis than NICE-recommended equivalent

Data published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown secukinumab to be more effective at treating psoriasis than etanercept, the drug recommended the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Secukinumab, produced by Swiss drug major Novartis (NOVN: VX), achieved high levels of clear or nearly clear skin for people with moderate to severe psoriasis, and the rate of response continued to improve between weeks 12 and 16. It stabilized thereafter, and then displayed sustained superiority over etanercept between then and 52 weeks.

David Epstein, division head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "The publication of two pivotal phase III studies in NEJM showing consistently high efficacy of secukinumab validates IL-17A as a preferred treatment target in psoriasis. These data, which are part of our regulatory submissions, are important as there is a high need for effective new therapies for people living with this debilitating disease."