Diplomat Pharmacy selected to distribute Novartis' COSENTYX (secukinumab)

Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (NYSE: DPLO) has been selected to the Novartis limited-distribution panel to distribute COSENTYX™ (secukinumab), a drug approved in January by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing patches of redness and irritation. The condition occurs more often in patients with a family history of the disease, with symptoms typically starting between the ages of 15 and 35. The most common form is plaque psoriasis; patients with this form develop red, thick skin with silver-white, flaky patches called scales.

The active ingredient in COSENTYX™ is a monoclonal antibody called secukinumab. To treat psoriasis, it binds to interleukin (IL)-17A, a signaling protein involved in the body's inflammatory response. This process prevents the IL-17A protein from binding to its receptor, and inhibits its ability to trigger the inflammation that results in plaque psoriasis.

"COSENTYX™ is the first approved drug to target the IL-17 pathway, and given its clinical results, we're excited to be able to offer it," said Gary Kadlec, Diplomat's president. "Psoriasis is an issue that causes real ramifications in the lives of millions of patients and families. We're ready to offer the support they need to address their symptoms, successfully stay on therapy and achieve their treatment goals."

COSENTYX™ is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and intended for patients who are eligible for systemic therapy, phototherapy or a combination of the two.