Secukinumab Inhibition of Interleukin-17A in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

Beneficial effects of this agent validate interleukin-17A as a therapeutic target in psoriatic arthritis.

Secukinumab, a highly specific monoclonal antibody that neutralizes activity of the cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17A), effectively treats psoriatic skin disease. Up to 40% of patients develop psoriatic arthritis, and IL-17A levels are elevated in the joints of those patients. In a prospective, multicenter study of secukinumab for psoriatic arthritis, more than 600 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo; 10 mg/kg secukinumab intravenously at weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 75 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks; or 10 mg/kg secukinumab intravenously at weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 150 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks. Seventy percent of patients had not previously received tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors; 60% had concurrent met…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)