Secukinumab for treating giant cell arteritis

Secukinumab is currently in development for the treatment of giant cell arteritis in adults aged 50 years and older. Giant cell arteritis also known as temporal arteritis, is a type of vasculitis (a rare condition that damages blood vessels by causing swelling) where the arteries at the side of the head (the temples) become inflamed. It mostly affects adults over the age of 50 years. The symptoms of giant cell arteritis depend on which arteries are affected and may include frequent severe headaches, pain or tenderness at the side of the head (temples) or on the scalp, jaw pain while eating or talking, vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision in 1 or both eyes. The exact causes of giant cell arteritis remain unknown, however, it has been associated with several genetic and environmental factors.