Drug firm Novartis launches Scapho for treatment of psoriasis

Drug firm Novartis Healthcare Private Ltd (NHPL) today announced launch of Scapho 150 mg for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients.
Scapho or Secukinumab, an injectable medicine, has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), a company statement said here.
This approval marks a significant milestone in the treatment of psoriasis providing a new and important first-line biologic treatment option for its patients, who are candidates for systemic therapy, it added.
Scapho is already approved in over 50 countries for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, which includes the European Union countries, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, the US and Canada.

Secukinumab was developed for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients, who are candidates for systemic therapy with a recommended dose of 300 mg. Secukinumab has demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in clearing psoriatic lesions as early as 3 weeks, it said.
"Our mission to discover new ways to improve and extend people's lives underscores our values and we are very happy to launch Scapho in India for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis," Novartis India President Jawed Zia said.

"This signifies an important turning point in the treatment of psoriasis in India. Patients in India, can now benefit from this treatment as it has the proven ability to offer clear or almost clear skin, Zia said.

Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious, autoimmune disease that affects up to 3 per cent of the world's population. It is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells.
Psoriasis is not simply a cosmetic problem, but a persistent, chronic (long-lasting), and sometimes distressing disease, which can affect even the smallest aspects of people's lives on a daily basis.
Up to 30 per cent patients suffering with psoriasis have or will develop psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness and irreversible joint damage. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression it said.