
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a prescription biologic medication owned by Novartis (SIX: NOVN, NYSE: NVS). It was approved by the FDA in 2015 for plaque psoriasis and has since received approvals for psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other autoimmune conditions. Cosentyx generated approximately $6.67 billion in global sales in 2025, making it Novartis's top-selling drug. It is manufactured at Novartis facilities in Switzerland and the United States.
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cosentyx | Novartis | Wholly owned |
Secukinumab was developed by Novartis as a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cytokine that plays a central role in inflammatory responses. The drug is administered by subcutaneous injection, typically using a pre-filled syringe or autoinjector.
The FDA approved Cosentyx for plaque psoriasis in January 2015. This was the first IL-17A inhibitor to receive FDA approval. The European Medicines Agency followed with approval later in 2015. The psoriasis approval was based on Phase III clinical trials demonstrating significant skin clearance compared to placebo and active comparators.
Following the initial psoriasis approval, Novartis expanded Cosentyx's indications through additional clinical trials and regulatory submissions. The FDA approved Cosentyx for psoriatic arthritis in January 2016, for ankylosing spondylitis in January 2016, and for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in June 2021. The FDA also approved Cosentyx for hidradenitis suppurativa in October 2023.
Pediatric approvals followed. The FDA approved Cosentyx for pediatric plaque psoriasis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, and enthesitis-related arthritis. In the U.S., Cosentyx is also approved for pediatric patients aged 12 and older with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa and juvenile ankylosing spondylitis.
Cosentyx's commercial growth has been substantial. From its launch in 2015, the drug grew to over $2 billion in annual sales by 2019, over $4 billion by 2022, and approximately $6.67 billion in 2025. This growth made Cosentyx one of the top-selling biologic drugs in the world and Novartis's most important revenue driver.
In June 2026, Novartis presented new Phase III REPLENISH trial data at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Congress, published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine. The data showed that Cosentyx achieved sustained remission in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in twice as many patients compared to placebo. Novartis has submitted Cosentyx for PMR approval to health authorities in the U.S., EU, and Japan, with additional country filings expected throughout 2026. PMR currently has no approved advanced therapy, representing a significant unmet need.
The biosimilar threat has become more concrete in 2026. Celltrion submitted CT-P55 to the EMA in July 2026, to Health Canada in May 2026, to Korea in June 2026, and to the FDA in July 2026. Celltrion expects to be among the first group of secukinumab biosimilar launchers. CSPC Pharmaceutical announced in June 2026 that China's NMPA accepted its marketing authorization application for a secukinumab biosimilar. These developments could eventually erode Cosentyx's market exclusivity, though Novartis's patents and regulatory protections provide a buffer.
What does Novartis own?
Novartis owns a portfolio of innovative prescription medicines across oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and ophthalmology. Key products include Cosentyx (inflammatory diseases), Entresto (heart failure), Kisqali (breast cancer), Kesimpta (multiple sclerosis), Leqvio (cholesterol), Zolgensma (gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy), Pluvicto (prostate cancer radioligand therapy), and Kymriah (CAR-T cell therapy). Novartis spun off its Sandoz generics division in 2023 and its Alcon eye care division in 2019, both of which are now independent publicly listed companies.
Is Novartis publicly traded?
Yes, Novartis AG is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under ticker NOVN and on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker NVS (as American Depositary Receipts). The company has a broad institutional and retail shareholder base with no single controlling shareholder. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Norges Bank Investment Management. The Novartis Foundation for Employee Participation also holds a significant stake.
What is Novartis's revenue?
Novartis reported FY2025 net sales of $50.3 billion, up 12% year over year (17% in constant currencies). Core operating income grew 15% (19% in constant currencies). For 2026, the company guides net sales growth of high single digits and core operating income growth of low double digits. The long-term outlook through 2030 calls for 5% net sales growth and 7% core operating income growth. Revenue is primarily generated from prescription medicine sales in more than 140 countries.
Who founded Novartis?
Novartis was formed in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, two of Switzerland's oldest pharmaceutical companies. Ciba-Geigy itself was formed through the 1970 merger of Ciba (founded 1859) and Geigy (founded 1758), both based in Basel. Sandoz was founded in 1886 in Basel. The 1996 merger, valued at approximately $63 billion, was one of the largest corporate mergers in history at the time. The name Novartis comes from the Latin "novae artes," meaning "new skills."
Where is Novartis headquartered?
Novartis AG is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Basel has been the center of the Swiss pharmaceutical industry for more than a century, and both Novartis and Roche, another major pharmaceutical company, are headquartered in the city. Novartis operates manufacturing and research facilities in Switzerland, the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, India, Singapore, and Brazil, and sells products in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Who is the CEO of Novartis?
Vas Narasimhan has served as CEO of Novartis since February 2018. He is a physician by training and has emphasized data science, digital health, and a focused innovative medicines strategy during his tenure. Under his leadership, Novartis spun off Sandoz (2023) and Alcon (2019), transforming the company from a diversified healthcare conglomerate into a focused innovative medicines company. Joerg Reinhardt chairs the board of directors.
What is Novartis's market position?
Novartis is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue, with FY2025 net sales of $50.3 billion. The company competes against Roche, Pfizer, AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, and Eli Lilly. Its FY2025 constant-currency sales growth of 17% outpaced many large-cap pharmaceutical peers. The company's long-term outlook of 5% net sales growth through 2030 positions it among the faster-growing companies in the large-cap pharmaceutical sector.
Cosentyx has not been subject to major product recalls. As a biologic manufactured under strict regulatory oversight, the drug's production process is closely monitored by the FDA, EMA, and other regulatory bodies. Any manufacturing deviations would trigger regulatory action.
The drug has faced scrutiny regarding its safety profile. Like all immunosuppressive biologics, Cosentyx carries warnings about increased risk of infections. The prescribing information includes warnings about serious infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and hypersensitivity reactions. Post-marketing surveillance has generally confirmed the safety profile observed in clinical trials.
The cost of Cosentyx has been a subject of controversy. The drug's list price in the U.S. exceeds $6,000 per month, making it one of the more expensive biologic treatments. Insurance coverage typically requires prior authorization and step therapy, where patients must try less expensive treatments first. Patient assistance programs and copay support are available through Novartis.
The Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation provisions could affect Cosentyx. While Cosentyx was not among the first drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation, future rounds of negotiation could include it, particularly given its high sales volume. Novartis has stated that it is preparing for potential price negotiation impacts.
No direct competitors found in the same category. This could be because Cosentyxoperates in a unique market segment or we're still building our competitor database.
Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by Novartis, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsOwned by IBSA Institut Biochimique S.A.
IBSA Institut Biochimique SA's branded levothyroxine softgel capsule (Tirosint) and liquid solution (Tirosint-SOL), FDA approved for hypothyroidism, formulated without dyes, gluten, lactose, alcohol, or sugar, providing an excipient-free alternative to conventional levothyroxine tablets for patients with sensitivities or absorption issues.
Tirosint is privately owned, unlike Cosentyx which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsOwned by GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
Independent publicly traded healthcare technology company spun off from General Electric in January 2023, providing medical imaging, diagnostics, and healthcare IT solutions globally.
GE HealthCare operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsOwned by Pfizer Inc.
American multinational pharmaceutical corporation developing and manufacturing medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.
Pfizer operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsOwned by Chempro Chemists
Australian online pharmacy operated by Chempro Chemists from Molendinar, Queensland. Offers prescription medications, health products, and wellness items through digital platforms and mail-order delivery.
Pharmacy Direct is privately owned, unlike Cosentyx which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsOwned by Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Health technology brand owned by Koninklijke Philips N.V., a publicly traded Dutch company listed on Euronext Amsterdam (PHIA). Covers medical imaging, patient monitoring, and personal health products.
Philips operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Healthcare PharmaceuticalsOwned by EKR Therapeutics, Inc.
Retavase (reteplase) is a prescription thrombolytic medication indicated for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Administered as two 10-unit intravenous bolus injections 30 minutes apart. Currently marketed by Chiesi USA.
Retavase is privately owned, unlike Cosentyx which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Discover popular brands and companies in the Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals category and related searches from other users.

Abbokinase (urokinase) is a thrombolytic medication historically used for pulmonary embolism and catheter clearance. Originally marketed by Abbott Laboratories, now owned by Microbix Biosystems as Kinlytic. FDA-approved since 1978.

Prescription isotretinoin brand developed by Roche and approved by the FDA in 1982 for severe nodular acne. Roche discontinued the brand name in the United States in 2009; the drug continues as Roaccutane in international markets.

Activase (alteplase) is a prescription thrombolytic medication manufactured by Genentech, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roche. Used to treat acute ischemic stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism.