Is Cosentyx approved for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a biologic medication that targets interleukin-17A, a protein involved in psoriasis inflammation. The FDA has approved Cosentyx for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy (medication taken internally) or phototherapy (light treatment). This approval covers both initial treatment and switching from other therapies.
What the research says
The FDA label for Cosentyx specifically states it is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy 1. This approval is based on clinical trials showing that Cosentyx is more effective than placebo and other biologics like etanercept and ustekinumab at clearing psoriasis and improving quality of life 7. Long-term safety data from over 12,000 patients across multiple studies show a favorable safety profile for up to 5 years, with low rates of serious infections, tuberculosis, and malignancies 6. In a real-world study comparing biologics for nail psoriasis, anti-IL-17A treatments including Cosentyx showed greater improvement in nail symptoms compared to other biologic classes 8. A network meta-analysis in pediatric patients also found that secukinumab ranked among the best for achieving high levels of skin clearance 4.
What to ask your doctor
- Is Cosentyx a good option for my moderate to severe plaque psoriasis?
- How does Cosentyx compare to other biologics I might consider?
- What are the potential side effects and long-term safety data for Cosentyx?
- Will my insurance cover Cosentyx, and are there patient assistance programs?
- How is Cosentyx administered, and how often will I need injections?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Dermatology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.