Novartis announced July 8 top-line results from the head-to-head Phase III psoriasis study which showed the superiority of secukinumab (AIN457) in clearing skin to Enbrel®* (etanercept), an anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy. In addition, secukinumab (AIN457) met all primary and secondary endpoints.
The FIXTURE trial (the Full year Investigative eXamination of secukinumab vs. eTanercept Using 2 dosing Regimens to determine Efficacy in psoriasis) was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, multicenter global study of subcutaneous secukinumab (AIN457) in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis involving 1,307 patients. It was designed to demonstrate efficacy after 12 weeks of treatment, compared to placebo and etanercept, and to assess the safety, tolerability and long-term efficacy up to 52 weeks. Established treatment measures were used to assess the efficacy of secukinumab (AIN457) including PASI 75 (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75) and the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA mod 2011), a standard tool to assess the clearing of skin after treatment.
“These results showing that secukinumab (AIN457) is superior to Enbrel, a current standard-of-care therapy, are great news for people living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis,” said Tim Wright, Global Head of Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “With 40-50% of people living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis dissatisfied with their current therapies, there is clearly an unmet medical need for new therapies that act faster and longer to relieve pain, itching and other symptoms.”
Full results from the secukinumab (AIN457) Phase III study program, the largest undertaken in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis to date, are expected to be presented at major medical congresses later this year.
Secukinumab (AIN457) is the first medicine selectively targeting IL-17A to present Phase III results. IL-17A is a central cytokine (messenger protein) in the development of psoriasis, and is found in high concentration in skin affected by the disease[1]-[3]. Research shows that IL-17A plays a role in driving the body’s autoimmune response in disorders such as moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and is a preferred target for investigational therapies[1]-[5].
In the FIXTURE study, the observed safety profile of secukinumab (AIN457) was consistent with previously reported results from Phase II studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and no new safety concerns were identified[6],[7].
About plaque psoriasis
Approximately 2% of the world’s population, or around 125 million people, are affected by plaque psoriasis[8],[9], with more than one third of these suffering from its moderate-to-severe form[10]. Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by thick and extensive skin lesions, called plaques, known to cause itching, scaling and pain[8]. This common and distressing disease is not simply a cosmetic problem – even those with very mild symptoms find their condition affects their everyday lives[11]. Psoriasis is also associated with psychosocial effects and those with more severe disease are at a greater risk of death from comorbid diseases such as heart disease and diabetes[12],[13].
About the secukinumab (AIN457) clinical trial program in psoriasis
The robust secukinumab (AIN457) Phase III clinical trial program involved more than 3,300 patients in over 35 countries on five continents. Primary endpoints for four studies related to PASI 75 and IGA (IGA mod 2011) and the fifth study evaluated the proportion of patients who maintained PASI 75 after having achieved PASI 75 after 12 weeks of active treatment. The studies evaluated 150 mg and 300 mg doses of secukinumab (AIN457).
About secukinumab (AIN457)
Secukinumab (AIN457) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes IL-17A, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine[1]-[3]. Proof-of-concept and Phase II studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and arthritic conditions (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis) have suggested that secukinumab (AIN457) may potentially provide a new mechanism of action for the successful treatment of immune-mediated diseases[6],[7],[14]-[16]. The Phase III programs for these potential indications are ongoing. Results are being released this year for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and in 2014 and beyond for arthritic conditions. Phase II studies are also ongoing in other areas, including multiple sclerosis.
About Novartis in specialty dermatology
Novartis is committed to developing innovative, life-changing specialty dermatology therapies redefining treatment paradigms and transforming patient care in severe skin diseases where there are remaining high unmet medical needs. The Novartis specialty dermatology portfolio includes two unique targeted products in Phase III development, secukinumab (AIN457) for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and omalizumab (Xolair®) for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). There are also more than 10 compounds in early stage development for a wide range of severe skin diseases in the Novartis specialty dermatology portfolio.
About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2012, the Group achieved net sales of USD 56.7 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.3 billion (USD 9.1 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 129,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
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*Enbrel® is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc.
References
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[9] Brezinski EA, Armstrong AW. Off-Label Biologic Regimens in Psoriasis: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety of Dose Escalation, Reduction, and Interrupted Biologic Therapy. PLoS ONE; 7(4):e33486.
[10] Krueger JG, Koo J, Lebwohl M, et al. The impact of psoriasis on quality of life: Results for a 1998 National Psoriasis Foundation patient membership survey. Arch Derm. 2001; 137:280-284.
[11] Mason AR, Mason J, Cork M et al. Topical treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;15;(2):CD005028.
[12] Abuabara K, Azfar RS, Shin DB, Neimann AL, Troxel AB, Gelfand JM. Cause-specific mortality in patients with severe psoriasis: a population-based cohort study in the U.K. Br J Dermatol. 2010 Sep;163(3):586-92
[13] Gelfand JM, Troxel AB, Lewis JD, Kurd SK, Shin DB, Wang X, Margolis DJ, Strom BL. The risk of mortality in patients with psoriasis: results from a population-based study. Arch Dermatol. 2007 Dec;143(12):1493-9.
[14] Genovese MC, Durez P, Richards HB, et al. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a phase II, dose-finding, double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled study. Ann Rheum Dis 2013;72:863-869.
[15] Baeten D, Sieper J, Emery P, et al. The anti-il17a monoclonal antibody secukinumab (AIN457) showed good safety and efficacy in the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis. At: EULAR 2011, The Annual European Congress of Rheumatology, 25-28 May 2011, London, UK. Abstract 0174.
[16] McInnes IB, Sieper J, Braun J, et al. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriatic arthritis: a 24-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II proof-of-concept trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2013 Jan 29; doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-202646.