Brand name: Cosentyx
Generic name: secukinumab

Medication Class: Human interleukin antagonist
Similar Drugs: Stelara (ustekinumab), Taltz (ixekizumab)
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Approval Date: January 2015

What is Cosentyx and its mechanism of action?

Cosentyx is a human interleukin-17A (IL-17A) antibody used for treating psoriasis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition where scaly red and white patches develop on the skin. It occurs when the body’s immune system sends false signals to skin cells to grow and multiply faster than normal. People with psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis which also includes inflammation of joints. Interleukins are a group of molecules that are released by white blood cells (leucocytes) during various immune responses. The IL-17 family is released by one of the white blood cells called T helper 17 cells, and targets epithelium and endothelium (the linings of skin) during an inflammatory response. Psoriatic plaques have elevated levels of IL-17A. Cosentyx selectively binds to IL-17A and blocks it from binding to its receptor to start the inflammatory process that contributes to the development of psoriasis. Cosentyx reduces the symptoms of psoriasis.  

What is Cosentyx used for treating?

Cosentyx is indicated for treating the following conditions:

• Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy (medicine absorbed into the blood stream) or phototherapy (ultraviolet light treatment).
• Treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. 
• Treatment of adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.

Next: Efficacy, Side Effects, Dosage