title: Secukinumab: A New Treatment Option for Psoriatic Arthritis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory arthropathy associated with impaired physical function and reduced quality of life. Biologic therapies that target tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) have significantly improved clinical outcomes. Partial, non- and transient responses remain common comprising significant unmet clinical need. New therapies with novel modes of action are urgently required.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The interleukin (IL)-17 pathway has recently been attributed a critical role in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritides. Herein, we review data from clinical studies with secukinumab, a novel fully human IgG1κ anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody (mAb), in patients with active PsA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across two pivotal phase 3 studies, secukinumab provided significant and sustained reductions in the signs and symptoms of PsA, inhibition of radiographic progression, and improved patient-reported outcomes and measures of quality of life. The primary efficacy endpoint, a ≥20% improvement from baseline according to the American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response at Week 24, was significantly higher in patients treated with secukinumab compared with placebo, with improvements sustained through at least 52 weeks. Clinical benefits were seen with secukinumab regardless of concomitant methotrexate treatment and in patients who were either anti-TNF-naïve or who were inadequate responders to anti-TNF therapy. Secukinumab was well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with that previously reported in psoriasis trials. The most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and headache.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Secukinumab offers an effective new addition to the available treatment options for PsA. Regulatory submissions have been filed worldwide, with the first approvals recently obtained in Japan and Europe. Future studies are required to define the optimal timing and strategic use of this novel treatment modality.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Novartis Pharma.
authors.affiliation: Swedish Medical Center and the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. pmease@philipmease.com.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mease
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Iain B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: McInnes
keywords: Biologic treatment; FUTURE 1; FUTURE 2; IL-17; Monoclonal antibody; Psoriasis; Psoriatic arthritis; Secukinumab