Novartis Announces Phase 3 Failure of IL-17A Antibody Cosentyx in Giant Cell Arteritis

▎Armstrong

On July 3, 2025, Novartis announced the latest data from the Phase III clinical trial GCAptAIN of IL-17A monoclonal antibody Cosentyx for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA). The study did not meet the primary endpoint of sustained remission rate at 52 weeks.

Cosentyx is the world's first IL-17A antibody,Approved for multiple indications, including psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis.Active radiographic negative axial spondyloarthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and pediatric psoriasis,Enthesis-related arthritis,Juvenile psoriatic arthritis, etc.

Summary

Novartis is still exploring new indications around the IL-17A antibody. In addition to the recent failure with giant cell arteritis, Novartis is also conducting a phase III clinical trial for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Apart from IL-17A, Novartis has projects targeting endpoints in the immunology field, including the BTK inhibitor Remibrutinib, BAFF-R inhibitor Ianalumab, NLRP3 inhibitor, IL-18 inhibitor, CD19 CAR-T, and the CD3/CD19/CD2 tri-specific antibody.