Secukinumab for patients failing previous tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitor therapy: results of a randomized open‐label study (SIGNATURE)

This study provides evidence of efficacy and safety of secukinumab for treatment of patients with psoriasis who failed prior TNF-α inhibitor therapy. This study represents a 'real-world' population, providing reassurance that secukinumab is a treatment option in this difficult-to-treat population. What's already known about this topic? Conventional systemic nonbiological and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor therapies for plaque psoriasis have not fully met patients' needs. There is a lack of data to support the treatment pathways for patients with psoriasis who have inadequate responses to TNF-α inhibitor therapy. Secukinumab, a recombinant high-affinity fully human monoclonal anti-human interleukin-17A antibody of the IgG1/κ-class, has shown excellent safety and efficacy in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. What does this study add? This is the first study evaluating treatment with biologics after prior efficacy failure of TNF-α inhibitor therapy as defined by the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria. Secukinumab is an effective treatment in this difficult-to-treat patient population. This study provides important practical information for clinicians managing psoriasis. Adverse events were consistent with the phase III programme for secukinumab, although some adverse events, e.g. candida, were increased.