Secukinumab Reduces Synovitis in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients at 12 Weeks

New data presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2020 showed 12-week secukinumab (Cosentyx) was associated with significant reductions in synovitis (joint lining inflammation) among treated patients versus placebo.

The findings from the phase 3B imaging ULTIMATE trial also provide the first-of-its kind assessment of the monoclonal antibody in biologic-naive patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) via Power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS).

The ongoing 52-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study is using ultrasound to observe time-course of response of secukinumab on synovitis in patients with PsA. The trial includes 166 adult patients randomized 1:1 to either secukinumab 300mg or 150mg, or placebo weekly for 1 month.

The data presented at ACR 2020 this week showed an achievement of the primary endpoint in significant benefit of the biologic agent versus placebo on synovitis in patients with PsA, as per standardized ultrasound synovitis score (GLOESS), with an additionally observed early improvement marked at week 1 of treatment.

Patients treated with secukinumab also reported significant improvement in key secondary endpoints including ACR 20 (68% vs 34%), ACR50 (46% vs 9%), and enthesitits, versus patients treated with placebo. The safety profile of the therapy through 12 weeks of care was consistent with that observed in previous trials.

In an interview with HCPLive® during ACR 2020, ULTIMATE study author Catherine Bakewell, MD, of Intermountain Medical Group in Salt Lake City, discussed the study’s findings, the unique metrics used in the trial, and what are next steps for further secukinumab assessment.