Secukinumab (AIN457)
DrugSecukinumab is a new type of psoriasis medication called a human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that recognize and bind to unique proteins that your body produces. Secukinumab binds and reduces the activity of a cytokine (a "messenger" protein in the body) called Interleukin 17 (IL-17). IL-17 is believed to be partly responsible for inflammation (pain, swelling, redness). Researchers believe that IL-17 causes symptoms of plaque-type psoriasis like plaques and scales. A product that targets IL-17 therefore may help to relieve these symptoms and conditions.