Novartis says Cosentyx is the first biologic to show long-term efficacy in nail and palmoplantar psoriasis, which can impact up to 90 percent of psoriasis patients.

The condition affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and can significantly affect quality of life through reduced mobility, functional impairment and physical discomfort.

Cosentyx specifically targets and inhibits IL-17A, which is involved in the development and progression of psoriasis, and it is the first and only fully human IL-17A inhibitor to show sustained skin clearance rates at five years in psoriasis, according to the drugmaker.

Now the firm also has data showing that the drug provides sustained improvements in nail and palmoplantar psoriasis out to 2.5 years.

In the GESTURE trial, 59 percent and 53 percent of palmoplantar psoriasis patients who received Cosentyx 300mg and 150mg respectively achieved clear or almost clear palms and soles at 2.5 years.

In the TRANSFIGURE study, patients with nail psoriasis who were treated with the same doses showed a substantial NAPSI (Nail Psoriasis Severity Index) improvement from baseline of -73 percent and -63 percent, respectively.

“Patients with nail and palmoplantar psoriasis need effective treatment options to address the significant impact these conditions can have on their day-to-day lives," said Eric Hughes, global development unit head, Immunology & Dermatology, at Novartis.

“As an IL-17A inhibitor, Cosentyx provides a highly targeted treatment option that can not only effectively treat the plaques caused by psoriasis, as evident by recently presented 5-year data, but also hard-to-treat forms and associated arthritic conditions."