Novartis has released trial data showing that Cosentyx was "significantly more effective" than Johnson & Johnson’s rival biologic Stelara in achieving clear skin in patients with psoriasis.

According to results from the head-to-head CLARITY study, 66.5 percent of patients treated with Cosentyx (secukinumab) achieved the primary endpoint PASI 90 (a 90 percent reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) compared to 47.9 percent of those treated with Stelara (ustekinumab).

Also, at Week 12, patients receiving Cosentyx had significantly greater PASI 100 responses (completely clear skin) compared to those taking Stelara (38.1 percent versus 20.1 percent respectively).

At Week four, PASI 75 response rates were significantly superior with Cosentyx compared to Stelara (40.2 percent vs. 16.3 percent), while at Week 16, Novartis’ drug also demonstrated significantly superior response rates compared to Stelara for PASI 75 (91.7 percent vs. 79.8 percent), PASI 90 (76.6 percent vs. 54.2 percent) and PASI 100 (45.3 percent vs. 26.7 percent).

"These data add to the robust body of evidence supporting the use of Cosentyx to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis," said Mark Lebwohl, MD and Chairman of the Waldman Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

"With these findings, clinicians can have even greater confidence including Cosentyx in their treatment plans."

Cosentyx is the first and only fully human IL-17A inhibitor approved to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).