For nearly a decade, doctors have prescribed the drug Cosentyx (secukinumab) to treat psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A new study now highlights how effective this medication is for real-world patients living with the condition. Approved by the FDA in 2015 for moderate to severe psoriasis and in 2016 for PsA, Cosentyx has become a widely used treatment. While its effectiveness has been proven in clinical trials, this new research provides deeper insight into how the drug helps patients manage their daily symptoms.
How Cosentyx Works
Psoriatic arthritis is treated by suppressing the immune system, either broadly or by targeting specific immune pathways. Doctors often start with broad-spectrum medications like methotrexate, known as conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). If these don’t work well enough, they may switch to biologics, such as Cosentyx, which are injected at home or given via IV at a clinic. Cosentyx targets interleukin-17 (IL-17), a key inflammatory chemical involved in PsA progression.
Dr. Shailendra Singh, a rheumatologist in Searcy, AR, explains that Cosentyx is usually given as a subcutaneous injection at home, though IV administration is an option. Patients typically receive a loading dose of 150 mg weekly for five weeks, followed by a monthly injection. Dr. Dalit Ashany, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, notes that it can take three to four months to see results, though some patients experience benefits sooner.
What the New Research Shows
A recent study published in Reumatismo: The Italian Journal of Rheumatology examined how a small group of PsA patients with other health conditions, such as fibromyalgia and autoimmune thyroiditis, responded to Cosentyx. The results showed significant symptom improvement after six and nine months of treatment. The study also reviewed 17 other studies, confirming Cosentyx’s effectiveness in treating PsA.
Although the study had a small sample size—only six patients completed the full 12-month follow-up—it provided valuable insights. Dr. Ashany points out that these findings are significant because they include patients with conditions often excluded from clinical trials, showing that Cosentyx can benefit a broader population.
Real-World Findings vs. Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are conducted in controlled environments with strict criteria, which can exclude patients with certain health conditions. Real-world studies, however, include a more diverse group of patients, offering a clearer picture of how a drug performs in everyday practice. Dr. Singh emphasizes that real-world evidence is crucial because it helps doctors understand how treatments work for patients who may not fit the criteria of clinical trials.
Dr. Ashany adds that real-world data validates clinical trial results and demonstrates how effective a drug is for a wider range of patients. This is especially important for medications like Cosentyx, which have already shown strong results in controlled studies.
Finding the Right Treatment
Both clinical trials and real-world studies play a key role in understanding a drug’s effectiveness. For Cosentyx, the evidence shows it is a powerful treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis and PsA. However, finding the right treatment often involves trying different options. As Dr. Singh puts it, “The best medicine is the one that works for the patient.”
In conclusion, Cosentyx has proven to be a reliable treatment for PsA over the past decade. With new real-world data supporting its effectiveness, it continues to offer hope for patients managing this challenging condition.
Related topics:
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
- A Misdiagnosed Back Injury Led To An Unexpected Rare Disease Diagnosis
- Arthritis In Seniors: What You Need To Know And How To Manage It
