OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab, a fully human, 
anti-interleukin (IL)-17A monoclonal antibody, in patients with psoriatic 
arthritis (PsA).
METHODS: 42 patients with active PsA fulfilling ClASsification for Psoriatic 
ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive two 
intravenous secukinumab doses (10 mg/kg; n=28) or placebo (n=14) 3 weeks apart. 
The primary endpoint was the proportion of American College of Rheumatology 
(ACR) 20 responses at week 6 for secukinumab versus placebo (one-sided p<0.1).
RESULTS: Primary endpoint: ACR20 responses at week 6 were 39% (9/23) for 
secukinumab versus 23% (3/13) for placebo (p=0.27). ACR20 responses were greater 
with secukinumab versus placebo at week 12 (39% (9/23) vs 15% (2/13), p=0.13) 
and week 24 (43% (10/23) vs 18% (2/11), p= 0.14). At week 6, 'good' European 
League Against Rheumatism response was seen in 21.7% (5/23) secukinumab versus 
9.1% (1/11) placebo patients. Compared with placebo at week 6, significant 
reductions were observed among secukinumab recipients for C reactive protein 
(p=0.039), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.038), Health Assessment 
Questionnaire Disability Index (p=0.002) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36; 
p=0.030) scores. The overall adverse event (AE) frequency was comparable between 
secukinumab (26 (93%)) and placebo (11 (79%)) recipients. Six serious AEs (SAEs) 
were reported in four secukinumab patients and one SAE in one placebo patient.
CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary endpoint was not met, clinical responses, 
acute-phase reactant and quality of life improvements were greater with 
secukinumab versus placebo, suggesting some clinical benefit. Secukinumab 
exhibited satisfactory safety. Larger clinical trials of secukinumab in PsA are 
warranted.