Novartis new data reinforces superiority of Cosentyx® versus Stelara®* in achieving skin clearance for psoriasis patients - Seite 3

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive subcutaneous secukinumab 300 mg (n = 550) at Baseline, Weeks 1, 2 and 3, then every 4 weeks from Week 4 to 48, or ustekinumab (n = 552) 45 mg or 90 mg subcutaneously (depending upon body weight at randomization), according to approved label.

About psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious, autoimmune disease that affects more than 125 million people worldwide[15]. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white build-up of dead skin cells. Palmoplantar psoriasis, which appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, occurs in up to 40% of plaque psoriasis patients and is frequently resistant to treatment[16],[17].

During their lifetime, approximately 90% of psoriasis patients will develop scaling on their nails[18]. Often hard-to-treat, nail psoriasis is associated with decreased finger mobility, functional impairment, pain and reduced quality of life[18]. Furthermore, nail psoriasis is an important predictor of PsA which affects up to 30% of patients with psoriasis[19]. PsA is a condition in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness and for some people, irreversible joint damage[19],[20].

Psoriasis is not simply a cosmetic problem, but a persistent, chronic (long-lasting), and sometimes distressing disease, which can affect even the smallest aspects of people's lives on a daily basis. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression[19].

About Novartis Immunology & Dermatology
Novartis is a global leader in Immunology & Dermatology. We are transforming the lives of people living with immunologic diseases, focusing on specialty dermatology, rheumatology, auto-inflammatory, transplant and specialty liver diseases where high unmet medical needs exist. Our leading brand Cosentyx^® (secukinumab) is an innovative biologic approved in more than 70 markets for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis (PsO), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Other key brands include Xolair^®** (omalizumab) in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), Zortress^®/Certican^® (everolimus) and Myfortic^® (mycophenolic acid ) in transplant and Ilaris^® (canakinumab), approved to treat several rare diseases including some Periodic Fever Syndromes. Our I&D pipeline includes multiple compounds in liver disease.