Secukinumab (AIN457)
BRAND NAME: n/a
GENERIC NAME: secukinumab
EXPERIMENTAL/INTERNAL COMPANY NAME: AIN457 |
|
| DRUG USE (P OR PsA) | METHOD OF DELIVERY | DEVELOPING COMPANY/COMPANIES |
| Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis | Injection under the skin, or intravenous infusion | Novartis Pharmaceuticals |
Description and Comments
Secukinumab (AIN457) is a fully human antibody to Interleukin-17A
(IL-17A), which is a protein/cytokine with inflammatory properties. The goal of secukinumab is to neutralize
IL-17A, reducing inflammation and hopefully improving symptoms in psoriasis,
psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), uveitis (inflammation of the eye), Crohn’s
disease and perhaps other diseases.
Secukinumab (AIN457) is currently in Phase Two clinical trials in
psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other diseases. In one small trial, intravenous infusion of secukinumab reduced
psoriasis symptoms, as well as symptoms of RA and uveitis. This has encouraged Novartis to expand
its trials, with the hopes of reaching market for uveitis as soon as 2012, with
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis expected some time after that.
With current psoriasis biologics targeting TNF-alpha and
IL-12 and IL-23, secukinumab reflects a novel target, IL-17A, which would offer an
exciting new approach for psoriasis patients, and one that could theoretically
work even for those who have not found relief from existing treatments.
Other News and Links
Effects of AIN457, a Fully Human Antibody to
Interleukin-17A, on Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Uveitis,
Science Translational Medicine article, October 2010
Experimental Novartis drug helps range of diseases,
Reuters, October 6, 2010
