Cosentyx Receives Expanded Approvals in EU for Use in Childhood Arthritic Conditions

Novartis announced on June 27, 2022 that the European Commission (EC) has approved Cozentyc (secukinumab), used alone or in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of various childhood arthritic conditions. The conditions include juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) categories of enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA). The treatment has been approved for patients aged 6 years and older who either have not responded adequately to, or cannot tolerate, conventional therapy.

ERA and JPsA are progressive, debilitation autoimmune diseases. ERA is characterized by joint swelling and pain where tendons and ligaments attach to bone and may include lower back and hip pain. JPsA is characterized by joint swelling and skin psoriasis and may present with nail changes, inflammation of fingers and/or toes, or psoriatic skin changes. These diseases can lead to high levels or pain and disability if left untreated.

“The approval of Cosentyx is very positive news for children affected by JPsA and ERA across Europe. We are now able to offer a new therapeutic target, which was not on the market for this disease in children and also offers a lower frequency of administration. Cosentyx adds to the body of other approved treatments that may provide children and adolescent patients, with the opportunity to participate in all daily activities, and even sports,” said Ivan Foeldvari, MD, Hamburg Centre for Pediatric Rheumatology, Germany, in a press release.

“Cosentyx could now provide a treatment option for eligible patients who continue to struggle with the painful symptoms which negatively impact their quality of life, such as inflammation of the joints, swollen fingers and toes,” added Todd Fox, global head of medical affairs immunology at Novartis, in the release. “This approval represents an important step in our ambition to expand Cosentyx to 10 indications for children and adults living with rheumatic and dermatologic diseases.”

Source: Novartis