Health Canada approves secukinumab for psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis

Secukinumab has been approved by Health Canada for adult patients with psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis who responded inadequately to prior treatment with conventional therapy, according to a press release from Novartis.

Secukinumab (Cosentyx, Novartis), is believed to neutralize the cytokine interleukin-17A which is suspected in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

“The popular perception of arthritis is that it is an old person’s disease, but AS is a young person’s disease. My AS symptoms began when I was 33 [years old] and the impact on my life was almost immediate. It took another 10 years until I was diagnosed and could begin treatments,” Michael Mallinson, president of the Canadian Spondylitis Association, said in the release. “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of continued research into autoimmune conditions and the need to provide the best possible care and treatment options for those managing their conditions so patients can lead active and fulfilling lives.”

The decision follows the 2015 Health Canada approval of secukinumab for the treatment of psoriasis.

“As someone directly affected by psoriasis, I know firsthand the daily challenges Canadians endure living with a chronic condition. Your disease impacts every aspect of your life. At times, you feel like your disease controls your life,” Andrew Gosse, founder and president of the Canadian Psoriasis Network, said in the release. “I also understand the issues that could come about for me and other Canadians in my circumstance when our psoriasis evolves into psoriatic arthritis if not managed effectively. That is why it is so encouraging to see the approval of new, clinically proven and extensively researched treatment options for autoimmune conditions.”

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