Secukinumab for NLD (Cosentyx) in Patients With Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD)

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is a rare granulomatous condition of the skin often presenting with papules and eventually atrophic plaques, most commonly on the distal extensor lower extremities, which can be painful and disfiguring. Currently no FDA-approved treatment exists, and no well-established treatment algorithm has been described. Reports on successful therapeutic interventions have generally been small and inconsistent.

Recent literature expanding on the previously poorly understood pathogenesis of NLD has suggested a potential role for IL-17 in the development of this condition. Thus blockade of IL-17 may be a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with NLD. Secukinumab (Cosentyx) is a human monoclonal antibody that targets IL-17a and is FDA approved for the treatment of psoriasis.

This open-label, proof of concept study regarding the use of Secukinumab in patients with NLD may be a first step in elucidating and defining a treatment for this chronic and potentially debilitating condition for which no FDA approved treatment currently exists.