Novartis AIN457 (secukinumab) meets primary endpoint in two Phase III studies in ankylosing spondylitis, a debilitating joint condition of the spine - Seite 3

About secukinumab (AIN457) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)
Secukinumab (AIN457) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes the action of IL-17A[3]. Secukinumab is the first medicine selectively targeting IL-17A with positive Phase III results for the treatment of AS. IL-17A, a protein that stimulates inflammation, is central to the development of psoriasis and other inflammatory arthritic diseases, including AS[4].

In addition to AS, secukinumab is also in clinical trials for the treatment of psoriasis arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Global regulatory applications for secukinumab in AS and PsA are planned for 2015. This follows the secukinumab global regulatory applications for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis which were filed in October 2013 with approvals anticipated in late 2014 or early 2015. 

Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "investigational," "will," "upcoming," "look forward," "planned," "anticipated," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing authorizations for AIN457, or regarding potential future revenues from AIN457. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that AIN457 will be approved for sale in any market where it has been submitted.  Neither can there be any guarantee that AIN457 will be submitted or approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that AIN457 will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding AIN457 could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including unexpected clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing pressures; unexpected manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.