Secukinumab - Biologic Drug Details

Summary for secukinumab

Tradenames:	1
High Confidence Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
BLAs:	2
Suppliers: see list	1
Recent Clinical Trials:	See clinical trials for secukinumab

Recent Clinical Trials for secukinumab

Identify potential brand extensions & biosimilar entrants

Sponsor	Phase
NYU Langone Health	PHASE2
Innovent Biopharmaceutical Technology (Hangzhou) Co., LTD.	PHASE3
Chinese SLE Treatment And Research Group	PHASE1

See all secukinumab clinical trials

Pharmacology for secukinumab

Mechanism of Action	Interleukin-17A Antagonists
Established Pharmacologic Class	Interleukin-17A Antagonist

Note on Biologic Patents

Matching patents to biologic drugs is far more complicated than for small-molecule drugs.

DrugPatentWatch employs three methods to identify biologic patents:

1. Brand-side disclosures in response to biosimilar applications

These patents were identified from disclosures by the brand-side company, in response to a potential biosimilar seeking to launch. They have a high certainty of blocking biosimilar entry. The expiration dates listed are not estimates — they're expiration dates as indicated by the brand-side company.

2. DrugPatentWatch analysis and brand-side disclosures

These patents were identified from searching drug labels and other general disclosures from the brand-side company. This list may exclude some of the patents which block biosimilar launch, and some of these patents listed may not actually block biosimilar launch. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

3. Patents from broad patent text search

For completeness, these patents were identified by searching the patent literature for mentions of the branded or ingredient name of the drug. Some of these patents protect the original drug, whereas others may protect follow-on inventions or even inventions casually mentioning the drug. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

1) High Certainty: US Patents for secukinumab Derived from Brand-Side Litigation

No patents found based on brand-side litigation

2) High Certainty: US Patents for secukinumab Derived from DrugPatentWatch Analysis and Company Disclosures

These patents were obtained from company disclosures

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	COSENTYX	secukinumab	Injection	125504		2025-08-04	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	COSENTYX	secukinumab	For Injection	125504		2025-08-04	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	COSENTYX	secukinumab	Injection	761349		2025-08-04	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures

3) Low Certainty: US Patents for secukinumab Derived from Patent Text Search

These patents were obtained by searching patent claims

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	COSENTYX	secukinumab	Injection	125504		2035-05-15	Patent claims search
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	COSENTYX	secukinumab	Injection	125504		2036-08-10	Patent claims search
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	COSENTYX	secukinumab	Injection	125504		2036-05-02	Patent claims search
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	COSENTYX	secukinumab	Injection	125504		2036-06-14	Patent claims search

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for the Biologic Drug: Secukinumab

Last updated: July 27, 2025

Introduction

Secukinumab, marketed under the brand name Cosentyx by Novartis, is a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-17A (IL-17A). Approved for treating plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, secukinumab plays a critical role in the burgeoning biologics landscape. The drug’s rapid adoption and expanding indications reflect evolving market dynamics, driven by clinical efficacy, immunological insights, and competitive positioning. This analysis examines the factors shaping secukinumab's market environment and projects its financial trajectory over the coming years.

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Market Overview: Scope and Evolution

The global biologics market surpassed $430 billion in 2022, with expectations to grow at a CAGR of approximately 9-10% through 2030[1]. Within this domain, IL-17 inhibitors represent a significant and rapidly expanding segment, propelled by their efficacy in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs).

Secukinumab’s approval in 2015 initially targeted psoriasis, which constitutes a sizable dermatology segment. Subsequent approvals expanded its reach into rheumatology, notably psoriatic arthritis (2016) and ankylosing spondylitis (2018). As of 2023, secukinumab is estimated to command a market share of roughly 15-20% within biologic treatments for plaque psoriasis and similar indications[2].

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Market Drivers

1. Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profile

Secukinumab’s superior efficacy relative to earlier biologics—such as TNF-alpha inhibitors—has favored its use, especially in patients with inadequate response to existing therapies. Landmark trials, including ERASURE and FIXT, highlighted its rapid onset and sustained remission benefits[3]. Its targeted IL-17A mechanism yields favorable safety, with a manageable adverse event profile, fostering clinician confidence.

2. Expanding Approved Indications

In recent years, secukinumab’s label has expanded, now encompassing indications like axial spondyloarthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and psoriatic juvenile arthritis. These expanded indications open new patient pools and reinforce market penetration.

3. Unmet Need and Patient Preference

Biologic treatments dominate for moderate-to-severe IMIDs, with patients favoring drugs offering high efficacy with convenient dosing (monthly or quarterly injections). Secukinumab’s flexible dosing schedules (once weekly or once monthly) enhance patient compliance and adherence, further solidifying its market position.

4. Competitive Landscape

Secukinumab faces competition from other IL-17 inhibitors, such as ixekizumab (Eli Lilly) and bimekizumab (UCB). While these competitors leverage similar mechanisms, secukinumab’s earlier market entry and extensive clinical data have helped maintain its share. Nonetheless, price competition and biosimilars threaten to exert downward pressure on margins.

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Market Challenges and Limitations

1. Market Saturation and Price Erosion

As biosimilars for branded biologics emerge, pricing pressures intensify. Though biosimilars for secukinumab are yet to fully penetrate some markets, their entry could diminish revenues significantly, similar to trends observed with other biologics.

2. Regulatory and Patent Risks

Patent expirations and legal disputes pose risks to market exclusivity, especially in major jurisdictions like the US and EU. Patent challenges could accelerate the loss of market share unless robust patent protections are maintained or supplementary protections are secured.

3. Competition from Oral and Small-Molecule Drugs

Oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and other small molecules offering competitive efficacy with easier administration are gaining momentum. Their lower cost and convenience threaten secukinumab’s market dominance, prompting Novartis to explore combination therapies and formulation enhancements.

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Financial Trajectory and Revenue Forecast

Current Revenue Profile

Novartis reports secukinumab revenues in the $3.5–4 billion range annually, with psoriasis accounting for about 60-65% of sales, and the remainder derived from psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis indications[4]. The drug’s sales have demonstrated steady growth, bolstered by expanding indications and geographical reach, especially in emerging markets.

Projected Growth and Future Revenues

Short-term outlook (2023-2025):
Market growth is driven by expanding indications, improved patient access, and uptake in emerging markets. However, patent expiration in key regions (e.g., US patent expiry in 2026) could flatten growth trajectories, unless Novartis leverages lifecycle management strategies such as formulation improvements, label expansions, or combination therapies.

Medium to long-term outlook (2026-2030):
Post-patent, revenues may decline unless biosimilar competition delays market erosion. Nonetheless, if Novartis invests in biosimilar versions and develops next-generation IL-17 inhibitors, secukinumab’s revenue could stabilize or even grow through market share gains in biosimilar markets.

Financial models estimate that secukinumab’s revenues could roughly plateau or decline by 15-25% post-patent expiry without strategic innovations, with the potential for market share retention through biosimilar developments[5].

Investment and R&D Implications

Novartis' pipeline includes next-generation biologics and oral small molecules targeting IL-17 and related pathways. These developments could complement secukinumab’s sales and mitigate revenue losses through diversification.

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Market Dynamics Shaping Future Outlook

Regulatory Trends

Increased approval of biosimilars and regulatory pathways facilitating rapid entry for biosimilars are reshaping competitive dynamics. Countries like EU and Japan have set precedents that may accelerate biosimilar uptake.

Patient-Centric Therapies

Advances in drug delivery—such as auto-injectors and patient support programs—are improving adherence, thereby maximizing therapeutic benefits and driving sustained demand.

Strategic Collaborations and Acquisitions

Partnerships for biosimilar development, especially in emerging markets, can extend lifecycle and revenue. For instance, Novartis’ potential alliances could accelerate biosimilar proliferation and market access.

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Key Takeaways

• Secukinumab has solidified its market presence through robust efficacy and expanding indications, making it a cornerstone biologic in IMID treatment.
• Competitive pressures from biosimilars, oral small molecules, and emerging IL-17 inhibitors challenge sustained revenue growth.
• Patent expiry timelines will critically influence future revenue trajectories; strategic lifecycle management remains vital.
• Geographic expansion, especially into emerging markets, presents growth opportunities but also regulatory and pricing challenges.
• Rational investment in next-generation biologics and biosimilar strategies will determine flexibilities to adapt to market shifts.

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FAQs

1. What are the main competitors to secukinumab in the IL-17 inhibitor market?
Principal competitors include ixekizumab (Eli Lilly) and bimekizumab (UCB). Both target IL-17 pathways, with varying efficacy and safety profiles. The market also faces indirect competition from JAK inhibitors and other biologics.

2. How soon might biosimilars impact secukinumab’s revenues?
Biosimilars could enter major markets, such as the US and EU, by 2026-2028—coinciding with patent expirations—potentially eroding revenues by up to 30-50% without mitigating strategies.

3. What are the potential future indications for secukinumab?
Research is ongoing into ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other immune-mediated conditions, which could further broaden its market if approved.

4. How do regulatory pathways influence secukinumab’s market longevity?
Flexible pathways for biosimilar approval and expanding indications support prolonged market presence, but patent defenses and exclusivity periods are critical to maximizing revenue.

5. What strategic moves can Novartis execute to sustain secukinumab’s market share?
Investing in biosimilar development, formulation improvements, combination therapies, and digital patient engagement programs will mitigate challenges posed by biosimilar entry and competitive drugs.

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References

1. Fortune Business Insights, “Biologics Market Size and Forecast,” 2022.
2. Evaluate Pharma, “IL-17 Inhibitors Market Share,” 2022.
3. Leung et al., “Efficacy and Safety of Secukinumab in Psoriasis: A Review,” Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021.
4. Novartis Annual Reports, 2022.
5. IQVIA, “Biologics Market Trends,” 2022.