Related News

AIN 457 a new approach to Psoriasis Dermatology Page

Novartis has announced positive results from three Phase II trials showing that AIN 457 (secukinumab) produced a quick and significant improvement of symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The results were presented at the annual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, in Lisbon, Portugal. In one study, 81% of patients receiving AIN457 150mg subcutaneously once a month experienced at least a 75% improvement of psoriasis signs and symptoms as measured by PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) vs 9% for placebo at week 12 (p<0.001). In another study, results also showed that 83% of patients who were given an intravenous starting dose of AIN 457 experienced at least a 75% improvement of symptoms vs 10% for placebo. A third study showed that receiving AIN 457 in the first month was beneficial to 55% of patients vs 2% for placebo at week 12 (p<0.001). AIN457 is a fully human monoclonal antibody neutralizing interleukin-17A, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine. Phase II studies in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and arthritides (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis) have suggested that AIN457 may provide a new mechanism of action for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. Phase III trials are underway.

Ameluz has CHMP recommendation for Actinic Keratosis Dermatology Page

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended approval of Ameluz (5-aminolevulinic acid) from Biofrontera AG for the treatment of actinic keratosis.

TRANSIT study of Stelara in Psoriasis Dermatology Page

The TRANSIT Phase IV study of Stelara (ustekinumab)from Janssen Cilag compared two methods of transiting patients from methotrexate therapy to Stelara in moderate to severe psoriasis patients. The study showed serious adverse events were infrequent regardless of transition strategy: 2.9% in the methotrexate immediate cessation arm versus 2.0% in the gradual withdrawal arm and a health related quality of life benefit as assessed by the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI)in both arms of the study. The mean improvement in DLQI over 16 weeks was shown by a reduction from 8.0 in the immediate cessation arm and 9.0 in the gradual withdrawal arm at baseline to 1.0 in both arms. The study also showed substantially improved effiacy of Stelara compared to methotrexate. By week 12, 65.3% of patients in the immediate cessation arm and 69.5% in the gradual withdrawal arm achieved a Psoriasis Global Assessment rating of 'cleared' or minimal'. The medial Psoriasis Area and severity Index (PASI) score decreased from about 15 in both arms at baseline to 2.9 in the immediate cessation arm and 2.8 in the gradual withdrawal arm. The study paves the way for an application by Janssen Cilag for use of Stelara as first line therapy in Psoriasis.Data were reported at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) congress in Lisbon.

More News