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FDA Approves New Drug To Treat Psoriasis

Risk of infection accompanies use

By James Limbach
ConsumerAffairs.com

September 25, 2009
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Stelara (ustekinumab), a biologic product for adults who have a moderate to severe form of psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis is an immune system disorder that results in the rapid overproduction of skin cells. About six million people in the United States have plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by thickened patches of inflamed, red skin, often covered with silvery scales.

"This approval provides an alternative treatment for people with plaque psoriasis, which can cause significant physical discomfort from pain and itching and result in poor self-image for people who are self-conscious about their appearance," said Julie Beitz, M.D., director, Office of Drug Evaluation III, in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Stelara is a monoclonal antibody, a laboratory-produced molecule that mimics the body's own antibodies that are produced as part of the immune system. The biologic treats psoriasis by blocking the action of two proteins which contribute to the overproduction of skin cells and inflammation.

Three studies of 2,266 patients evaluated the biologic's safety and effectiveness.

Since Stelara reduces the immune system's ability to fight infections, the product poses a risk of infection. Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving the product and some of them have lead to hospitalization. These infections were caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. There may also be an increased risk of developing cancer.

The FDA is requiring a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy or REMS for Stelara that includes a communication plan targeted to healthcare providers and a medication guide for patients.

Stelara is manufactured by Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. of Horsham, Pa., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J.

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