Novartis AG's hopes of adding more indications for its anti-inflammatory blockbuster Cosentyx have received a boost from two positive late-stage hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) trials but some observers are concerned they may not be positive enough to challenge Humira as the lead biologic for tackling the debilitating skin condition.
Cosentyx (secukinumab), which is approved for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, two types of spondyloarthritis and, most recently two childhood arthritic conditions, has been a major growth driver for Novartis since its first approval in 2015. Second-quarter sales of the interleukin-17A inhibitor reached $1