Secukinumab for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children aged 6 to less than 18 years old

Secukinumab as subcutaneous injection is in clinical development for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents. Plaque psoriasis, is the most common type of psoriasis and is an inflammatory skin disease that typically follows a relapsing and remitting course. Plaque psoriasis is characterised by dry red skin lesions (called plaques) covered in silver scales which commonly appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. The plaques can be itchy and sore and in severe cases the skin may crack and bleed.
Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody, a type of protein, designed to recognise and attach to a messenger molecule in the immune system called interleukin 17A. This molecule is involved in the inflammation and other immune system processes that cause psoriasis. By attaching to and blocking the action of interleukin 17A, secukinumab reduces the activity of the immune system and the symptoms of the disease. If licensed, secukinumab will offer a first-line systemic treatment option in children and adolescents with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for systemic therapy.