The generic name for the brand-name biologic drug Cosentyx is secukinumab. It is important to understand the distinction between a generic version of a traditional, chemically synthesized drug and a biosimilar, which is the equivalent for a biologic medication like Cosentyx. Unlike small-molecule drugs that can have exact generic copies, biologics are derived from living cells and have a more complex structure, making an exact copy impossible. A biosimilar is a highly similar version with no clinically meaningful differences from the original biologic. As of late 2024, no secukinumab biosimilar is approved and available in the United States, although development is in progress.
What is Secukinumab?
Secukinumab is a biologic medication classified as a monoclonal antibody. Developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, it received initial FDA approval in 2015. Its mechanism of action involves selectively binding to and neutralizing interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein crucial to the body's inflammatory response. By inhibiting excessive IL-17A activity, which is common in autoimmune diseases, secukinumab helps to reduce inflammation and associated symptoms.
Approved Uses for Cosentyx (Secukinumab)
Cosentyx is FDA-approved for treating a range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in adults and, in some cases, children. These conditions include moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis, active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, active enthesitis-related arthritis, and moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
Administration
Cosentyx is administered either through subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. Subcutaneous injections can often be performed at home after patient training. The administration schedule vary depending on the specific condition being treated, typically involving an initial loading dose phase followed by a maintenance phase.
Generic vs. Biosimilar: Understanding the Difference
Traditional, chemically synthesized drugs can have generic versions which are exact copies of the active ingredient and are usually less expensive. Biologic drugs, due to their complex production from living cells, cannot be copied exactly. Instead, a similar product called a biosimilar is developed.
Key Differences between Cosentyx and Biosimilars
| Feature | Brand-Name Cosentyx (secukinumab) | Biosimilar (e.g., CMAB015) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | Developed and produced using a specific proprietary process involving living cells. | Produced by a different manufacturer using a similar, but not identical, process. |
| FDA Approval Pathway | Requires extensive clinical trials to prove safety and efficacy from scratch. | Follows an abbreviated pathway, demonstrating high similarity and no clinically meaningful differences to the reference product. |
| Active Ingredient | The originator secukinumab molecule. | A highly similar molecule, with minor differences that are not clinically relevant. |
| Availability | Available and has been on the market since 2015. | None approved in the US as of late 2024, though development is ongoing. |
| Cost | Can be very expensive without insurance, though patient programs exist. | Expected to be a lower-cost alternative to the brand-name product. |
Potential Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Like all medications, secukinumab has potential side effects. As an immunosuppressant, it can increase the risk of infections. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, and cold symptoms. More serious side effects, though less common, can include serious infections, new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease, and allergic reactions. Patients should be screened for tuberculosis before starting treatment and should not receive live vaccines while on the medication.
Conclusion
The generic name for Cosentyx is secukinumab, a biologic medication that targets the inflammatory protein IL-17A and is used to treat various autoimmune conditions. Unlike traditional drugs that have generic copies, biologics may have biosimilar versions, which are highly similar but not exact copies. While no secukinumab biosimilar is currently available in the US, their development is underway and may offer more affordable options in the future. Patients considering Cosentyx should discuss the potential benefits, risks, and administration with their healthcare provider and explore available patient assistance programs if needed.
