Extended PBS Listing for Secukinumab

Secukinumab is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin characterised by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring.

Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralises the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 17A (IL-17A). While IL-17A plays an important role in neutrophil activation, it also contributes to the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa.

The SUNSHINE and SUNRISE trials investigated the efficacy of secukinumab in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. The primary endpoint in each study was the proportion of patients with a reduction of at least 50% in the abscess and inflammatory nodule count with no increase in abscesses or draining fistulae. In patients receiving secukinumab every two weeks, the primary endpoint was reached by 45% of patients in the SUNSHINE trial and 42.3% of patients in the SUNRISE trial, compared to 33.7% and 31.2% of patients in the respective placebo groups. The onset of action was as early as two weeks, with efficacy increasing to week 16 and sustained over the 52-week trial period.

Secukinumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Maintenance doses for hidradenitis suppurativa are normally given every four weeks, although some patients may benefit from dosing every two weeks. Secukinumab is also PBS listed for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis.