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How does secukinumab (anti IL-17) MEASURE up in patients with AS?

Dr. Andy Thompson  Featured
November 16 2014 6:02 PM ET via RheumReports RheumReports

Secukinumab is a fully human monoclonal IgG antibody that binds to and selectively inhibits IL-17.

The MEASURE 1 study aimed to compare two different doses of secukinumab (SEC) vs. placebo (PBO) in patients with active Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

The MEASURE 1 study design included an initial loading dose of secukinumab of 10 mg/kg IV followed by 150 mg, 75 mg, or PBO every 4 weeks.

Three hundred and seventy-one patients were enrolled in the study. The study population was comprised of both anti-TNF naïve or inadequate response/intolerant to anti-TNF. The primary endpoint was ASAS20 response at week 16. The patient population had active AS with BASDAI scores of 6.1-6.5 and a mean duration of illness of 6.5-8 years.

Week 16 data showed a 60% ASAS20 response for SEC vs. 29% for PBO. This difference was apparent as early as week 1! The ASAS40 outcomes were 42%, 33%, and 13% for SEC 150, 75, and PBO, respectively. All other secondary outcomes were statistically significant vs. PBO.

At week 52 the ASAS20 was 71-77% indicating sustained improvement. A similar response was seen for ASAS40 (49-62%). Overall the efficacy data favoured the 150 mg dose.

The safety reporting period was from baseline to week 52. There was 1 death due to depression and suicide in the PBO arm and 1 death (just after study closure) in the SEC 150 mg group due to respiratory failure. 

There were no signals for increased malignancies or major cardiac events. There were 3 candidal infections that were mild, easy to treat and required no interruption of treatment. Neutropenia was seen in 4 patients (all treated with SEC) but did not result in discontinuation of therapy or infection.

Antibodies to secukinumab were only detected in 2 patients with no effect on clinical outcome.

Overall, secukinumab was an effective and well tolerated treatment for active AS.


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About the Author

Dr. Andy Thompson
Dr. Andy Thompson

Dr. Andy Thompson is an Associate Professor at Western University and founder of Rheuminfo.com, Rheumtalks.com, and RheumReports.com.

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