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Mechanism of action

IL-17A plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PsA, nr-axSpA, AS, and PsO1
IL-17A molecule
IL-17A is an important mediator in the inflammatory process2
  • Elevated levels of IL-17A have been found in: Psoriatic plaques and the blood of patients with PsA and AS1,2

  • Increased numbers of IL-17A–producing lymphocytes have also been found in patients with nr-axSpA2

  • IL-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17A, may contribute to signs and symptoms seen in patients with PsA, AS, and nr-axSpA3-5

Image not drawn to scale.
The immune pathophysiology of PsA, nr-axSpA, AS, and PsO involves complex molecular mechanisms not shown in this graphic.

COSENTYX® (secukinumab) blocks IL-17A, irrespective of its source2,6-10
IL-17A and COSENTYX Interaction

Images not drawn to scale.
The immune pathophysiology of PsA, nr-axSpA, AS, and PsO involves complex molecular mechanisms not shown in this graphic. 

ALL-IN-ONE relief in PsA

Results in all

key clinical

manifestationsa-d

ALL-IN-ONE relief in AS

Results in the hallmarks of disease that matter to patientsg,h

ALL-IN-ONE relief in
nr-axSpA

Results in the hallmarks of disease that matter to patientse

Tap to see IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION and INDICATIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
COSENTYX is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction to secukinumab or to any of the excipients in COSENTYX. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported during treatment with COSENTYX...

CONTRAINDICATIONS

COSENTYX is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction to secukinumab or to any of the excipients in COSENTYX. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported during treatment with COSENTYX. 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Infections

COSENTYX may increase the risk of infections. In clinical trials, a higher rate of infections was observed in COSENTYX treated subjects compared to placebo-treated subjects. In placebo-controlled clinical trials in subjects with moderate to severe PsO, higher rates of common infections, such as nasopharyngitis (11.4% versus 8.6%), upper respiratory tract infection (2.5% versus 0.7%) and mucocutaneous infections with candida (1.2% versus 0.3%) were observed in subjects treated with COSENTYX compared to placebo-treated subjects. A similar increase in risk of infection in subjects treated with COSENTYX was seen in placebo-controlled trials in subjects with PsA, AS and nr-axSpA. The incidence of some types of infections, including fungal infections, appeared to be dose-dependent in clinical trials. 

In the postmarketing setting, serious and some fatal infections have been reported in patients treated with COSENTYX.

Exercise caution when considering the use of COSENTYX in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection. Instruct patients to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of an infection occur. If a patient develops a serious infection, monitor the patient closely and discontinue COSENTYX until the infection resolves.

Pre-treatment Evaluation for Tuberculosis

Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with COSENTYX. Avoid administration of COSENTYX to patients with active TB infection. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering COSENTYX. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of COSENTYX in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of active TB during and after treatment.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) exacerbations, in some cases serious and/or leading to discontinuation of COSENTYX, occurred in COSENTYX treated subjects during clinical trials in PsO, PsA, AS, nr-axSpA, and HS. In adult subjects with HS, the incidence of IBD was higher in subjects who received COSENTYX 300 mg every 2 weeks (Ulcerative Colitis [UC] 1 case, EAIR 0.2/100 subject-years; Crohn’s Disease [CD] 1 case, EAIR 0.2/100 subject-years) compared to subjects who received COSENTYX 300 mg every 4 weeks (IBD 1 case, EAIR 0.2/100 subject-years). In addition, new onset IBD cases occurred in subjects treated with COSENTYX in clinical trials. In an exploratory trial in 59 subjects with active Crohn’s disease [COSENTYX is not approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease], there were trends toward greater disease activity and increased adverse reactions in subjects treated with COSENTYX as compared to placebo-treated subjects. 

Exercise caution when prescribing COSENTYX to patients with IBD. Patients treated with COSENTYX should be monitored for signs and symptoms of IBD.

Eczematous Eruptions

In postmarketing reports, cases of severe eczematous eruptions, including atopic dermatitis-like eruptions, dyshidrotic eczema, and erythroderma, were reported in patients receiving COSENTYX; some cases resulted in hospitalization. The onset of eczematous eruptions was variable, ranging from days to months after the first dose of COSENTYX. 

Treatment may need to be discontinued to resolve the eczematous eruption. Some patients were successfully treated for eczematous eruptions while continuing COSENTYX. 

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Anaphylaxis and cases of urticaria occurred in COSENTYX treated subjects in clinical trials. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of COSENTYX should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.

The removable caps of the COSENTYX Sensoready® pen and the COSENTYX 1 mL and 0.5 mL prefilled syringes contain natural rubber latex, which may cause an allergic reaction in latex-sensitive individuals. The safe use of the COSENTYX Sensoready pen or prefilled syringe in latex-sensitive individuals has not been studied.

Immunizations

Prior to initiating therapy with COSENTYX, consider completion of all age-appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. COSENTYX may alter a patient’s immune response to live vaccines. Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with COSENTYX.

MOST COMMON ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (>1%) are nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

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INDICATIONS

COSENTYX® (secukinumab) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in patients 6 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients 2 years of age and older...

COSENTYX® (secukinumab) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in patients 6 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients 2 years of age and older.

COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) with objective signs of inflammation.

COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) in patients 4 years of age and older.

COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

*Limitations apply. Up to a $16,000 annual limit. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. Limitations may apply in MA and CA. For complete Terms and Conditions details, call 1-844-267-3689.

Definitions

AS, ankylosing spondylitis; IL, interleukin; nr-axSpA, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis; PsA, psoriatic arthritis; PsO, plaque psoriasis; Th17, T helper 17; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.

References

1. Tsukazaki H, Kaito T. The role of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(17):6401.

2. Cosentyx. Prescribing information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

3. Miossec P, Kolls JK. Targeting IL-17 and TH17 cells in chronic inflammation. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2012;11(10):763-776.

4. Menter A, Krueger GG, Paek SY, Kivelevitch D, Adamopoulos IE, Langley RG. Interleukin-17 and interleukin-23: a narrative review of mechanisms of action in psoriasis and associated comorbidities. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(2):385-400.

5. Paine A, Ritchlin C. Targeting the IL-23/IL-17 axis in axial spondyloarthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2016;28(4):359-367.

6. Miossec P, Korn T, Kuchroo VK. Interleukin-17 and type 17 helper T cells. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(9):888-898.

7. Girolomoni G, Mrowietz U, Paul C. Psoriasis: rationale for targeting interleukin-17. Br J Dermatol. 2012;167(4):717-724.

8. Cua DJ, Tato CM. Innate IL-17-producing cells: the sentinels of the immune system. Nat Rev Immunol. 2010;10(7):479-490.

9. Kehl AS, Corr M, Weisman MH. Enthesitis: new insights into pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, and treatment. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016;68(2):312-322.

10. Smith JA, Colbert RA. Review: the interleukin-23/interleukin-17 axis in spondyloarthritis pathogenesis: Th17 and beyond. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2014;66(2):231-241.

11. Lynde CW, Poulin Y, Vender R, Bourcier M, Khalil S. Interleukin 17A: toward a new understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):141-150.

a. Baraliakos X, Gossec L, Pournara E, et al. Secukinumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis and axial manifestations: results from the double-blind, randomised, phase 3 MAXIMISE trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80(5):582-590.

b. Data on file. CAIN457F2342 (FUTURE 5): 2-Year Interim Report. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; May 2019.

c. Data on file. CAIN457F2342 (FUTURE 5): 2-Year Interim Report PASI 90 and ACR Components data. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; January 2020.

d. Data on file. CAIN457F2342 (FUTURE 5): 2-Year Interim Report mNAPSI and PASI 100 data. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; October 2019.

e. Data on file. CAIN457H2315 Data Analysis Report. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; April 2020.

f. Data on file. CAIN457H2315 Clinical Study Report. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; November 2019.

g. Data on file. CAIN457F2310 Data Analysis Report. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; June 2019.

h. Data on file. CAIN457F2310 (MEASURE 2): Nocturnal Back Pain. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; February 2021.

i. Data on file. CAIN457F2342 (FUTURE 5): Interim Data Analysis Report FACIT-Fatigue data through Week 52. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; April 2019.

j. Poddubnyy DA, Rudwaleit M, Listing J, Braun J, Sieper J. Comparison of a high sensitivity and standard C reactive protein measurement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(7):1338-1341.

k. Data on file. CAIN457F2342 Clinical Study Report Interim Analysis-Week 24. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; November 2017.

l. Data on file. CAIN457F2342 (FUTURE 5): 2-Year HAQ-DI biologic-naive data. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; February 2021.

m. Cosentyx. Prescribing information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

n. Data on file. Selected EAIRs MEASURE 2 Year 5. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; January 2020.

o. Nash P, Mease PJ, McInnes IB, et al; on behalf of the FUTURE 3 study group. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab administration by autoinjector in patients with psoriatic arthritis: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (FUTURE 3). Arthritis Res Ther. 2018;20(1):47.

p. Data on file. LTD Cosentyx Prescriber and Patient Counts. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; July 2021.

q. Boonen A, Sieper J, van der Heijde D, et al. The burden of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2015;44(5):556-562.