Secukinumab 150mg, 300mg Injection — Anti-IL-17A Monoclonal Antibody for Moderate-Severe Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
Scapho® (Secukinumab) — First Approved Anti-IL-17A Biologic for Psoriasis and Spondyloarthritis
Superior Skin Clearance and Comprehensive Joint and Spine Control Through First-in-Class IL-17A Neutralisation
Scapho® (Secukinumab) is a fully human IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody that directly binds and neutralises interleukin-17A (IL-17A) — the key pro-inflammatory cytokine driving skin inflammation in plaque psoriasis and joint and spine inflammation in psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Secukinumab was the first anti-IL-17A antibody approved for any indication — establishing IL-17A as a clinically validated therapeutic target and initiating a new era of precision therapy for psoriatic and spondyloarthritic diseases.
By directly neutralising IL-17A at the cytokine level — preventing it from binding to the IL-17RA/IL-17RC receptor complex on keratinocytes, synovial fibroblasts, and entheseal fibroblasts — Scapho interrupts the downstream inflammatory cascade responsible for epidermal hyperplasia, synovitis, bone erosion, and spinal inflammation. The result is rapid, deep, and sustained clinical improvement across all disease domains — skin, nails, joints, entheses, dactylitis, and spine.
A.K. Pharma is a trusted medicine distributor in Delhi supplying genuine Scapho (Secukinumab) in both 150mg and 300mg presentations to hospitals, dermatology centres, rheumatology clinics, and pharmacies across India. Manufactured by Novartis, Scapho is one of the most extensively studied biologics in dermatology and rheumatology — with over a decade of clinical trial and real-world evidence supporting its efficacy and long-term safety across multiple indications.
What is Scapho (Secukinumab)?
Scapho contains Secukinumab — a recombinant fully human IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that binds with high affinity to interleukin-17A (IL-17A) — the primary effector cytokine of the Th17 inflammatory pathway.
IL-17A — The Central Pathological Cytokine in Psoriasis and Spondyloarthritis:
IL-17A is produced by multiple immune cell types — Th17 lymphocytes, gamma-delta T cells, ILC3s, mast cells, and neutrophils — in response to IL-23 signalling from dendritic cells and macrophages. In psoriasis and spondyloarthritis, dysregulated IL-23/Th17 axis activity drives excessive IL-17A production in skin, synovium, entheses, and spine:
Skin (Psoriasis):
Joints and Entheses (Psoriatic Arthritis):
Spine (Ankylosing Spondylitis):
Secukinumab’s Mechanism: Secukinumab binds IL-17A with high affinity (Kd ~100 pM) — capturing free IL-17A in circulation and tissues before it can bind the IL-17RA/RC receptor complex on target cells. The IgG1 subclass enables ADCC and complement activation — potentially contributing to anti-inflammatory effects beyond simple cytokine neutralisation.
Full prescribing information is available at the FDA label for Secukinumab.
Clinical Studies and Evidence
ERASURE Trial (Secukinumab vs Placebo in Moderate-Severe Plaque Psoriasis) Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2014), the ERASURE trial enrolled 738 patients with moderate-severe plaque psoriasis randomised to Secukinumab 300mg, Secukinumab 150mg, or placebo. Key results at week 12:
FIXTURE Trial (Secukinumab vs Etanercept vs Placebo in Moderate-Severe Plaque Psoriasis) Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2014), the landmark FIXTURE trial enrolled 1,306 patients — the first trial to directly compare an anti-IL-17A antibody head-to-head against an established biologic (Etanercept). Key results at week 12:
CLEAR Trial (Secukinumab vs Ustekinumab in Moderate-Severe Plaque Psoriasis) Published in JAAD (2017), the CLEAR trial compared Secukinumab 300mg vs Ustekinumab 45/90mg in 676 patients with moderate-severe plaque psoriasis. Key results:
FUTURE 2 Trial (Secukinumab in Psoriatic Arthritis) Published in The Lancet (2015), FUTURE 2 demonstrated Secukinumab significantly improved ACR20 at week 24 — 51% (300mg) and 54% (150mg) vs 15% placebo — with significant improvements in PASI, HAQ-DI, and inhibition of radiographic progression — establishing Secukinumab as effective for both the joint and skin manifestations of PsA.
MEASURE 1 and MEASURE 2 Trials (Secukinumab in Ankylosing Spondylitis) Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2015), these Phase 3 trials enrolled 590 patients with active AS. Key results at week 16:
DISCOVERY Trial (Secukinumab in nr-axSpA) The DISCOVERY trial demonstrated significant ASAS40 improvement with Secukinumab in nr-axSpA — establishing Secukinumab as effective across the full axial spondyloarthritis spectrum including pre-radiographic disease.
Long-Term Extension Studies (Up to 5 Years) Multiple long-term extension studies across psoriasis and PsA indications confirm sustained high response rates with continued Secukinumab treatment — with PASI 90 maintained in approximately 70-75% of psoriasis responders at year 5 — supporting long-term use with a consistent safety profile.
Available Strengths
Scapho is available in the following presentations:
| Presentation | Dose | Device | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scapho 150mg/mL | 150mg per injection | Prefilled syringe and autoinjector pen | PsA, AS, nr-axSpA; psoriasis 150mg dose |
| Scapho 300mg/2mL | 300mg per injection | Prefilled syringe | Moderate-severe plaque psoriasis standard dose |
Both strengths are available from A.K. Pharma — important for prescribing across the full range of Secukinumab indications.
Indications — What Scapho is Used For
Moderate-Severe Plaque Psoriasis:
Psoriatic Arthritis:
Ankylosing Spondylitis (Radiographic axSpA):
Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA):
Enthesitis-Related Arthritis (ERA):
For detailed indication information refer to MedlinePlus Secukinumab.
Key Benefits of Scapho
First-in-Class IL-17A Inhibitor — Validated Precision Target Secukinumab was the first anti-IL-17A antibody approved for any indication — establishing the IL-17A pathway as the most clinically important driver of psoriatic skin disease. The ERASURE and FIXTURE trials demonstrated efficacy that was unprecedented in psoriasis clinical trial history at the time — triggering a generation of IL-17A-targeting biologics across multiple indications.
Superior to Etanercept and Ustekinumab The FIXTURE trial demonstrates Secukinumab is significantly superior to Etanercept (anti-TNF) across all skin clearance endpoints. The CLEAR trial demonstrates Secukinumab is significantly superior to Ustekinumab (anti-IL-12/23) for PASI 90 at both week 16 and week 52. These head-to-head superiority data across two major biologics establish IL-17A inhibition — and Secukinumab specifically — as the most effective class for psoriasis skin clearance among approved biologics.
Highest Skin Clearance Rates Across Multiple Psoriasis Subtypes Beyond plaque psoriasis, Secukinumab demonstrates high efficacy in palmoplantar psoriasis, nail psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis — subtypes that are often difficult to treat with conventional therapies and other biologics.
First Non-TNF Biologic Approved for Ankylosing Spondylitis The MEASURE trials established Secukinumab as the first biologic with a mechanism other than TNF inhibition to be approved for AS — demonstrating that IL-17A is as important as TNF in AS pathogenesis and providing a validated alternative for the approximately 30-40% of AS patients who fail or are intolerant to anti-TNF therapy.
Comprehensive PsA Disease Control In psoriatic arthritis, Secukinumab simultaneously addresses all five PsA disease domains — peripheral arthritis, axial disease, skin psoriasis, nail psoriasis, enthesitis, and dactylitis — while inhibiting structural progression (radiographic damage). No biologic provides truly comprehensive PsA control from a single injection without some unmet need — but Secukinumab comes closest with its combined skin, joint, and structural data.
Broad Paediatric Coverage Scapho is approved for plaque psoriasis in children ≥6 years and enthesitis-related arthritis in children ≥4 years — providing one of the broadest paediatric approvals of any biologic in dermatology and rheumatology.
Sustained 5-Year Responses Long-term extension data demonstrate maintained PASI 90 in approximately 70-75% of responders at year 5 — and maintained ACR20/ACR50 responses in PsA — supporting Secukinumab as a durable long-term treatment with a consistent safety profile over time.
How Scapho Works — IL-17A Pathway and Secukinumab’s Mechanism
The IL-23/Th17 Axis — Central Driver of Psoriatic Disease:
The pathogenesis of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis involves:
Secukinumab’s Mechanism:
Step 1 — IL-17A Binding: Secukinumab binds free IL-17A in circulation and tissues with high affinity (Kd ~100pM) — forming a stable Secukinumab/IL-17A complex. The antibody captures both monomeric and homodimeric forms of IL-17A. This binding prevents IL-17A from reaching the IL-17RA/IL-17RC receptor complex on target cells.
Step 2 — Receptor Interaction Blockade: By occupying the receptor-binding interface of IL-17A, Secukinumab sterically prevents IL-17A from docking with IL-17RA — blocking signal transduction through the Act1/TRAF6/NF-κB and MAPK pathways downstream of IL-17 receptor activation.
Step 3 — Downstream Inflammatory Suppression: Without IL-17RA activation:
For a detailed mechanism overview refer to EULAR PsA Recommendations, ASAS/EULAR AS Recommendations, and EuroGuiDerm Psoriasis Guidelines.
Scapho vs Copellor — IL-17A Inhibitors Compared at A.K. Pharma
Both Scapho (Secukinumab) and Copellor (Ixekizumab) target IL-17A — here are the key clinical differences:
| Feature | Scapho (Secukinumab) | Copellor (Ixekizumab) |
|---|---|---|
| Target | IL-17A | IL-17A |
| Antibody class | IgG1 kappa — fully human | IgG4 — humanised |
| IL-17A binding affinity | High (Kd ~100pM) | Very high (Kd ~3-4pM) — ~25x higher |
| PASI 90 (plaque psoriasis) | 59-70% (ERASURE/FIXTURE/CLEAR) | ~70% (UNCOVER) |
| PASI 100 | 24-28% (300mg) | 35-40% |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | ✅ Approved | ✅ Approved |
| Ankylosing Spondylitis | ✅ Approved | ✅ Approved |
| nr-axSpA | ✅ Approved | ✅ Approved |
| Enthesitis-Related Arthritis (children) | ✅ ≥4 years | ✅ ≥6 years |
| EGPA | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| IBD risk | Similar caution needed | Similar caution needed |
| Maintenance (psoriasis) | 300mg Q4W | 80mg Q4W |
| Long-term data | Up to 5 years | Up to 4 years |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Eli Lilly |
| Available at A.K. Pharma | Request Quote | Request Quote |
Dosage and Administration
Plaque Psoriasis — Adults (300mg dose — standard):
Plaque Psoriasis — Adults (150mg dose — selected patients):
Plaque Psoriasis — Children ≥6 years (weight-based):
| Body Weight | Loading | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| <25kg | 75mg SC at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 | 75mg Q4W |
| 25–50kg | 75mg SC at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 | 75mg Q4W |
| >50kg | 150mg SC at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 | 150mg Q4W |
Psoriatic Arthritis — Adults:
Ankylosing Spondylitis — Adults:
Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis — Adults:
Enthesitis-Related Arthritis — Children ≥4 years:
Administration:
Full dosing guidelines available at Drugs.com Secukinumab Dosage.
Pre-Treatment Screening — Essential Before Starting Scapho
All patients must be screened before initiating Scapho:
Who Should Use Scapho
Scapho is prescribed for:
Psoriasis:
Psoriatic Arthritis:
Ankylosing Spondylitis:
nr-axSpA:
ERA (Paediatric):
Scapho is prescribed by dermatologists, rheumatologists, and immunologists. A.K. Pharma supplies Scapho to hospitals, dermatology centres, rheumatology clinics, and pharmacies across Delhi and India.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects include nasopharyngitis (11-13%), upper respiratory tract infections (9%), headache (3%), diarrhoea (3%), and injection site reactions.
Serious side effects include:
Serious Infections: Increased risk of serious bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Do not initiate in patients with active serious infections. Monitor for signs of infection throughout treatment.
Mucocutaneous Candidiasis: Oral and oropharyngeal candidiasis occur more frequently with IL-17A inhibition — due to the role of IL-17A in mucosal defence against Candida. Usually manageable with antifungal therapy without requiring discontinuation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: New onset or exacerbation of IBD — particularly Crohn’s disease — reported. Monitor for new GI symptoms. Consider discontinuation if IBD develops. Secukinumab is generally avoided in patients with established IBD.
Neutropenia: Rare cases of neutropenia reported — monitor CBC if clinically indicated.
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Including anaphylaxis — rare but potentially serious. Discontinue and treat promptly.
Full side effect information available at FDA Secukinumab Safety Information.
Precautions
Storage and Handling
As a responsible medicine distributor in Delhi, A.K. Pharma maintains full cold chain requirements during storage and supply of Scapho ensuring product integrity for every unit supplied.
Manufacturer Information
Scapho (Secukinumab) is manufactured by Novartis AG, a global pharmaceutical company with a major immunology and dermatology portfolio. Secukinumab received FDA approval in January 2015 for moderate-severe plaque psoriasis — the first IL-17A inhibitor approved for any indication — with subsequent approvals for PsA (2016), AS (2016), nr-axSpA (2020), and paediatric psoriasis (2022). A.K. Pharma supplies only genuine Scapho sourced from authorized Novartis distributors.
Related Immunosuppressant, Skin and Arthritis Medicines Available at A.K. Pharma
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Scapho used for? Scapho (Secukinumab) is used to treat moderate-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children ≥6 years, active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and enthesitis-related arthritis in children ≥4 years. More information available at MedlinePlus.
Q. What is the generic name of Scapho? The generic name of Scapho is Secukinumab. It is a fully human IgG1 kappa anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody — the first approved IL-17A inhibitor — manufactured by Novartis.
Q. How does Scapho work? Scapho binds and neutralises IL-17A — the key pro-inflammatory cytokine driving skin inflammation in psoriasis and joint and spine inflammation in PsA and AS. By preventing IL-17A from activating its receptor on keratinocytes, synovial fibroblasts, and entheseal cells, Scapho suppresses the inflammatory cascade responsible for psoriatic plaques, joint erosion, and spinal inflammation.
Q. What dose should be used for psoriasis vs psoriatic arthritis? For moderate-severe plaque psoriasis — the standard adult dose is 300mg (two 150mg injections) — with five weekly loading doses then monthly maintenance. For psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis — the dose is 150mg with loading doses then monthly. Patients with PsA and coexistent moderate-severe plaque psoriasis should use the 300mg psoriasis dosing.
Q. How quickly does Scapho work? In psoriasis, improvement is typically visible by weeks 2-4. By week 12 approximately 70-80% of patients achieve PASI 75 and approximately 54-59% achieve PASI 90. In AS, meaningful improvements in ASAS20 are seen by weeks 4-8 with maximum response at week 16.
Q. Is Scapho safe in patients with inflammatory bowel disease? IL-17A has a protective role in gut mucosal immunity — Secukinumab may worsen or trigger Crohn’s disease. Scapho is generally avoided in patients with active IBD or a history of significant Crohn’s disease. Carefully evaluate benefit-risk in patients with IBD history and monitor for new bowel symptoms throughout treatment.
Q. How is Scapho different from Copellor (Ixekizumab)? Both target IL-17A but differ in binding affinity — Copellor (Ixekizumab) has approximately 25-fold higher IL-17A binding affinity. Clinical data suggests slightly higher PASI 100 rates with Copellor vs Scapho. However, Scapho has more extensive long-term data (5 years), more paediatric data, and the broadest real-world experience of any IL-17A inhibitor. Both are available from A.K. Pharma.
Q. Is Scapho available in India? Scapho can be supplied to hospitals, dermatology centres, rheumatology clinics, and pharmacies across India through licensed pharmaceutical distributors. Contact A.K. Pharma — medicine distributor in Delhi — for availability and pricing.
Q. What is the price of Scapho in India? Scapho 150mg and 300mg price in India varies by pack size. Contact A.K. Pharma at 011 4172 6999 or WhatsApp +91 9810034827 for current pricing and bulk supply rates.
Q. How to order Scapho from A.K. Pharma? You can request a quote directly from this page, call us at 011 4172 6999, or WhatsApp us at +91 9810034827 with your requirements and we will respond promptly.
Q. Does A.K. Pharma supply Scapho in bulk? Yes. A.K. Pharma supplies Scapho in bulk to dermatology centres, rheumatology clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies across Delhi and India. Contact us for bulk pricing and availability.
Why Order Scapho from A.K. Pharma?
Contact A.K. Pharma for Scapho Supply 📍 E-2/257A, 2nd Floor, Shastri Nagar, New Delhi 110052 📞 011 4172 6999 📱 WhatsApp: +91 9810034827 🌐 akpharma.in