More biologics needed for JPsA
Additional biologics will be helpful for children with arthritis who are poorly controlled on available treatments, according to Natasha M. Ruth, MD, director of the division of pediatric rheumatology at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Dr. Ruth was senior author of a case study published 2 years ago in which secukinumab was used to control psoriatic arthritis and nail manifestations of psoriasis.
“It was a girl who had already failed to improve adequately to TNF inhibitors,” reported Dr. Ruth, who had said the child and her parent were very concerned about the nail appearance.
“The nail involvement completely resolved, so it was a very good result in a difficult situation,” Dr. Ruth explained. She said that the decision to try secukinumab was made collaboratively in a clinic in which dermatologists and rheumatologists at her institution work together on difficult cases.
“There is a need for more biologics with different mechanisms of action,” Dr. Ruth said. Based on her experience, secukinumab could be an important addition to treatment options.
Dr. Ruperto reported having financial relationships with more than 20 pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, which provided financial support for this trial. Many coauthors had financial relationships with multiple companies, including Novartis, and some were employees of the company. Dr. Ruth reported having no potential conflicts of interest.