Earlier administration of biologic agents to patients with hidradenitis suppurativa is associated with higher treatment efficacy, data showed. 

This finding was confirmed in the long-term follow-up data from a four-year global phase 3 study, which evaluated Cosentyx (secukinumab), an interleukin 17A (IL-17A) inhibitor. Novartis Korea presented the results at the “2025 Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advances (SHSA 2025)” in Tennessee, USA, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

The data presented at SHSA 2025 derive from a large, global phase 3 clinical trial of Cosentyx. In this trial, researchers assessed the efficacy and safety of Cosentyx in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa, highlighting results from an extension analysis.

The study included all patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin disease that causes painful lumps under the skin, who received Cosentyx from Week 0 through Week 204 (four years). Cosentyx was given at two- or four-week intervals. Researchers analyzed Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR), a measure used to assess improvement in the condition.

Results showed that patients achieving HiSCR at week 52 maintained a HiSCR rate of 83.2 percent at week 204 with continued Cosentyx use. Symptoms stayed improved for up to four years after treatment began. Among patients who did not reach HiSCR at week 52, the HiSCR rate improved to 52.7 percent by week 204. Ongoing treatment led to gradual symptom improvement for these patients.

No new safety concerns emerged during the four-year extension analysis. The incidence of adverse events was similar to that in other Cosentyx indications. The average number of fistulas dropped from 2.3 at treatment start to 0.8 at week 52. This reduction was maintained through week 204. Fistulas, a hallmark symptom of hidradenitis suppurativa, are tunnel-like connections between skin lesions that form as inflammation worsens.

Subgroup analysis at week 52 assessed HiSCR rates based on disease duration and severity. The moderate group had a higher HiSCR rate than the severe group. This suggests that using a biologic before the disease becomes severe leads to a better response.

“This four-year extension study data confirms Cosentyx’s long-term efficacy and safety for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa. We anticipate it will help improve patient quality of life, especially for those who require long-term treatment and management,” said Park Joo-young, Executive Vice President of the Immunology Business Unit at Novartis Korea.