New results for secukinumab (Cosentyx) in the PREVENT trial continue its promising trend for treatment of the full spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), according to a release from Novartis. The PREVENT trial is assessing this therapy in nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA); it’s already approved in ankylosing spondylitis.
Results of 16-week data were presented in mid-September, and the new results represent 52-week data. Full details and data will be revealed at an upcoming scientific congress.
The PREVENT trial is an ongoing, 2-year trial with a 2-year extension phase; it enrolled 550 men and women with nr-axSpA and assessed their response to secukinumab with an induction phase, to it without induction, or to placebo. The trial met its primary endpoint of 40% improvement in Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS40) criteria at 16 and 52 weeks, which indicates meaningful and sustained improvement. ASAS40 is defined as an improvement of at least 40% and both 10 out of 100 points in three of four domains (patient global assessment, pain, function, and inflammation) and no worsening in the remaining one. The safety profile in this trial was consistent with those seen in previous trials.
Overall, the most common adverse reactions seen with this interleukin-17A antagonist are nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis before initiating treatment. Serious infections have been observed, so be mindful of patients with chronic infections and discontinue secukinumab in patients who develop infections. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Full prescribing information can be found on the Novartis website.