Health Canada approves Cosenty for moderate to severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa in adults

Health Canada has approved Cosentyx® (secukinumab) for treating adult patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies. This approval represents a significant advancement in the treatment options available for Canadians affected by this chronic skin condition.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a persistent inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful lumps that can develop into open wounds and cause irreversible scarring. Although the exact prevalence of HS remains unknown, it is estimated to affect 1-4% of the Canadian population, translating to between 300,000 and 1 million individuals. HS can severely impact a patient's quality of life, both physically and mentally.

The safety and efficacy of Cosentyx® were evaluated through two major Phase III clinical trials, SUNSHINE and SUNRISE, which are the largest trials ever conducted on HS. These global, multicentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involved 1,084 adult patients with moderate to severe HS. The trials demonstrated that Cosentyx® is a safe and effective treatment option for this condition.

Latoya Palmer, the Founder of the Hidradenitis and Me Support Group, emphasized the importance of having diverse treatment options for those affected by HS. Different treatments can help patients find the most suitable path for managing their condition.

Dr. Susan Poelman, a dermatologist and President of the HS Foundation in Canada, highlighted the limited treatment options for advanced HS patients. She expressed optimism that the approval of Cosentyx® would offer new hope to these patients, who often struggle to maintain control of their condition with existing therapies.

Cosentyx® is already approved in Canada for various other conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Its proven safety profile provides physicians and patients with another viable option for treating HS.

Dr. Mark Kirchhof, Division Head of Dermatology at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital, noted that the approval of Cosentyx® offers an additional treatment avenue for dermatologists dealing with this complex condition. This approval is a step forward in providing comprehensive care for HS patients.

Mark Vineis, Country President of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., expressed pride in the approval, noting that more than 1 million patients worldwide have been treated with Cosentyx® since its launch in 2015. He reiterated Novartis' dedication to introducing innovative medications that improve patient outcomes in Canada.

In summary, the approval of Cosentyx® by Health Canada marks a significant milestone in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. This new treatment option offers hope to many Canadians suffering from this chronic and debilitating condition, furthering Novartis' mission to enhance health outcomes through innovative therapies.