11/14/2023
Last month, Novartis announced that it has received FDA approval for an intravenous (IV) formulation of Cosentyx (secukinumab) to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).
This recent change makes Cosentyx the only approved IV biologic targeting and blocking interleukin-17A (IL-17A), adding to the diversity of treatments available for people living with spondyloarthritis.
Cosentyx had previously been available only as a self-administered subcutaneous injection (i.e., as an auto-injector or pre-filled syringe).
“A significant portion of the millions of PsA, AS and nr-axSpA patients in the US require treatment through IV infusions for a variety of reasons, including not being comfortable with self-injections or simply preferring to have treatments administered in their healthcare provider’s office,” said Philip J. Mease, M.D., Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Director of Rheumatology Research at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA.
Now people with PsA, AS, and nr-axSpA will have the option to receive infusions of the medication during monthly 30-minute sessions. The IV formulation offers weight-based dosing with no pre-medication or lab monitoring required.
The availability of IV infusion Cosentyx may offer a financial benefit for some people as well. Medicare and other insurance providers that do not cover Cosentyx as a self-injectable may provide coverage if the medication is prescribed as an infusion administered by a healthcare provider. Patients should check with their doctor as well as their insurance provider to explore their options.
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