NovartisNovartis has announced positive results from three Phase II trials showing that AIN457 (secukinumab) produced a quick and significant improvement of symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The results were presented at the annual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, in Lisbon, Portugal.

In one study, 81% of patients receiving AIN457 150mg subcutaneously once a month experienced at least a 75% improvement of psoriasis signs and symptoms as measured by PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) vs 9% for placebo at week 12 (p<0.001)[1]. In another study, results also showed that 83% of patients who were given an intravenous starting dose of AIN457 experienced at least a 75% improvement of symptoms vs 10% for placebo[3]. A third study showed that receiving AIN457 in the first month was beneficial to 55% of patients vs 2% for placebo at week 12 (p<0.001)[2].

"These data suggest that AIN457 could potentially bring about a considerable improvement in the lives of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis by producing a rapid response and substantial relief of symptoms," said Dr. Kim Papp, Dermatologist and Director of Research at Probity Medical Research, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and one of the investigators of the studies. "Plaque psoriasis is a disruptive and often painful chronic immune disease and there is a critical need for new treatment options that combine long-term efficacy with a favorable safety profile."

AIN457 is a fully human, targeted monoclonal antibody that specifically and rapidly binds to and neutralizes interleukin-17A (IL-17A), an inflammatory cytokine implicated in a number of immune-mediated diseases, including psoriasis[6],[7].

"We are encouraged by these positive Phase II results and look forward to receiving the results of larger-scale and longer-term Phase III studies with AIN457 which began this year," said John Hohneker, Global Head of Development for Integrated Hospital Care at Novartis. "Novartis is committed to providing new treatment options for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, who face significant daily physical discomfort as well as the serious psychological impact of living with this disease."

Plaque psoriasis is a common hereditary, immune-mediated systemic disorder characterized by skin lesions, called plaques. Approximately 2% of the population has plaque psoriasis and 30% of these patients suffer from its moderate-to-severe form[4],[5],[8],[9]. Chronic plaque psoriasis can have a profound impact on a patient's life. The skin lesions associated with plaque psoriasis are associated with significant symptoms, such as itching, scaling and pain, which ultimately impact a patient's emotional, social, occupational and physical functioning. The effects of chronic plaque psoriasis on patient's reduced health related quality of life are similar to those seen with arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and depression[10],[11].

About the Studies
The three double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled Phase II studies presented at EADV were designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AIN457 in different doses and administration regimens. The primary endpoints of the studies were PASI 75 responses at Week 12, with PASI 90 responses at Week 12 among the secondary endpoints. The primary endpoint was met for one or more of the doses (25, 75 and 150 mg, subcutaneously; 3 mg/kg, 10mg/kg and 3x10mg/kg, intravenously) and regimens (Early, Monthly and Single) studied in each trial. In all three studies, 60% of patients experienced adverse events with AIN457 in the first twelve weeks compared to 61% with placebo. Serious adverse events were reported in 3% of AIN457 patients vs 1% with placebo[1-3].

About AIN457
AIN457 is a fully human monoclonal antibody neutralizing interleukin-17A, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine. Phase II studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and arthritides (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis) have suggested that AIN457 may provide a new mechanism of action for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases[1-3]. The Phase III program for these potential indications has already commenced.

About Novartis
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, consumer health products, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in these areas. In 2010, the Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 50.6 billion, while approximately USD 9.1 billion (USD 8.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges) was invested in R&D throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 121,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world.

1. Papp K.A. et al. 'Secukinumab efficacy and safety preliminary results from a phase II subcutaneous dose-ranging study in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.' Presented at: 20th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology; 20-24 October, 2011; Lisbon, Portugal. Oral presentation FC01.5.
2. Rich P.A. et al. 'Secukinumab, a new fully human monoclonal anti-Interleukin-17A antibody, in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Interim efficacy and safety data from a phase II regimen-finding trial.' Presented at: 20th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology; 20-24 October, 2011; Lisbon, Portugal. Oral presentation FC01.6.
3. Papp K.A. et al. 'Secukinumab, a novel fully human antibody to interleukin-17A, in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Efficacy and safety interim results from a phase II intravenous induction dose-ranging study.' Presented at: 20th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology; 20-24 October, 2011; Lisbon, Portugal. Oral presentation FC01.7.
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5. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis: Statistics. Available at: http://www.psoriasis.org/learn_statistics.
6. Leipe J, Grunke M, Dechant C, et al. 'Arthritis Rheum.' 2010;62:2876-2885.
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8. Reich K, Mrowietz U. 'Treatment goals in psoriasis.' JDDG. 2007;5:566-574
9. Pandey S. 'Psoriasis a chronic, non-contagious autoimmune disease: a conventional treatment.' Int J Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research. 2010;1:61-67.
10. Sampogna F, Chren MM, Melchi CF, Pasquini P, Tabolli S, Abeni D (February 2006). 'Age, gender, quality of life and psychological distress in patients hospitalized with psoriasis.' Br. J. Dermatol. 154 (2): 325-31.
11. Rapp SR, Feldman SR, Exum ML, et al (1999). 'Psoriasis causes as much disability as other major medical diseases.' J Am Acad Dermatol; 41:401-7.