Secukinumab efficacy and safety: Reporting on the experiences of clinicians and patients

Secukinumab (SEC) is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes IL-17A, a key cytokine involved in the development of psoriasis. Superior efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical trials with up to 79% of moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients achieving a PASI 90 at week 16 and 75% achieving a PASI 90 at week 52. However, the population recruited into clinical trials are different to the real-world population. The aim of this paper is to discuss the safety and efficacy of SEC based on ���real-world data��� when used in patients with multiple co-morbidities and concomitant medications. Two clinical audits conducted were based on a clinical audit checklist, which was adopted and included in all patients��� usual care as the patient-management model for biological therapies. Patients on SEC were identified from our pharmacy database and data was collected from electronic patient records between September 2015 and May 2018. The psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were extracted at baseline and at 16 weeks. The results from the rheumatology departments of the two hospitals were then compared. A total of 135 patients��� data was analysed. SEC was found to offer an efficacious real-world treatment option with response rates generally higher than observed in pivotal Phase III clinical trials. Response rates were higher in biologic na��ve patients than non-na��ve patients. There were no unusual safety signals; however, long-term efficacy and sustainability are yet to be established