Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the joints, spine, and other areas of the body. It can be a debilitating condition that affects daily life for those who suffer from it.

However, there is good news for people with SpA – a new treatment has been approved in the European Union (EU) that could offer hope for relief!.

What is Spondyloarthritis?

Spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various body parts, including the spine, joints, and eyes.

It is a type of autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body, causing inflammation and damage. The most common type of SpA is ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which affects the spine, but there are other forms, including:.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Reactive arthritis
Enteropathic arthritis
Juvenile SpA
Undifferentiated SpA

SpA symptoms can vary widely from person to person but may include:.

Stiffness and pain in the lower back or neck
Swelling and pain in the joints
Fatigue
Fever
Eye inflammation

Current Treatments for Spondyloarthritis

Currently, there is no cure for SpA, and treatments aim to manage symptoms and prevent complications. The standard treatment for SpA includes:.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression
Biologic drugs, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors, for moderate-to-severe SpA

While these treatments can be effective, they are not always enough. For some people, the side effects of medications can be intolerable, or they may not respond to treatment. That’s why there is a need for new, more effective treatments for SpA.

The New Treatment: Secukinumab (Cosentyx)

Secukinumab, sold under the brand name Cosentyx, is a new treatment for SpA. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin (IL)-17A, a cytokine that plays a role in inflammation.

Cosentyx is already approved for other inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and has shown promise in clinical trials for SpA.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has now approved Cosentyx for the treatment of active SpA. This approval follows a successful clinical trial program that showed the drug’s effectiveness in reducing disease activity compared to a placebo.

Specifically, the trial program included two phase 3 trials, MEASURE 1 and 2, which involved nearly a thousand patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, and one phase 2 trial, PREVENT, which included nearly a thousand patients with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

The results of the trials showed that Cosentyx was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of SpA, such as pain and inflammation, and improving physical function.

In addition, the drug had a safety profile comparable to other biologics used to treat SpA.

How Does Cosentyx Work?

Cosentyx works by blocking the activity of a protein called IL-17A, which is involved in the inflammatory response. IL-17A is produced by immune cells and promotes inflammation in the body.

By inhibiting IL-17A, Cosentyx can reduce inflammation and prevent damage to the joints and other tissues affected by SpA.

The drug is administered by injection and is taken once a month after an initial loading dose. It can be self-administered or given by a healthcare provider, depending on the patient’s preference.

What Does This Mean for People with SpA?

The approval of Cosentyx for SpA is a significant development for people living with this condition. It offers a new treatment option that can provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life.

For those who have not responded well to other treatments, such as NSAIDs or biologics, Cosentyx may be a game-changer.

Cosentyx may also be a safer option for those who have had side effects from other biologics.

Unlike TNF-alpha inhibitors, which can increase the risk of infections and other complications, Cosentyx has not been associated with an increased risk of serious infections. However, like all biologics, it does carry a risk of infections and other potential side effects, so patients should be monitored closely by their healthcare provider.

What’s Next?

The approval of Cosentyx for SpA represents an exciting step forward for the treatment of this condition. However, more research is needed to better understand how the drug works and who is most likely to benefit from it.

There is also a need for long-term studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of Cosentyx over time.

It’s also possible that other new treatments for SpA will emerge in the coming years. Research is ongoing into the underlying causes of SpA and how it can be treated most effectively.

With continued investment in research and development, we may see more breakthroughs like Cosentyx in the future.

Conclusion

Spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can have a major impact on the lives of those who have it. The approval of Cosentyx for active SpA represents an important advance in treatment options for this condition.

The drug has shown promising results in clinical trials and could offer relief to those who have not responded well to other treatments.

While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of Cosentyx, its approval is a positive step forward in the fight against SpA. With the right treatment and care, those with SpA can live full and active lives.