RESEARCH - Anti-interleukin antibody tops anti-TNF therapy for psoriasis

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AAD: Anti-Interleukin Antibody Tops Anti-TNF Therapy for Psoriasis

By Bankhead, Staff Writer, MedPage Today

Published: March 09, 2009

Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD

SAN FRANCISCO, March 9 -- Patients with moderate to severe plaque

psoriasis had significantly higher responses rates with an

interleukin-targeted monoclonal antibody than with etanercept

(Enbrel), data from a large randomized trial showed. Action Points

Two different doses of ustekinumab outperformed etanercept in the

proportion of patients with at least 75% improvement in the Psoriasis

Area and Severity Index (PASI 75), Lyn Guenther, M.D., of the Guenther

Dermatology Research Center in London, Ontario, reported here at the

American Academy of Dermatology meeting.

Adverse events and serious events occurred in a similar percentage of

patients in each treatment group.

" This study is significant for the dermatology community as it is the

first comparator trial of biologic therapies for psoriasis, "

Griffiths, M.D., of the University of Manchester in

Manchester, England and principal investigator of the study, said in a

statement.

" Treatment with ustekinumab . . . has demonstrated significant

clinical efficacy with infrequent self-administered injections. Both

are important considerations when evaluating the burden of disease for

many adult patients living with moderate to severe psoriasis and who

are candidates for a biologic treatment. "

Development of biologic therapies for inflammatory disorders -- such

as arthritis and psoriasis -- has focused considerable attention on

tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). However, IL-12 and IL-23 also play

a key role in the immunogenesis of psoriasis, said Dr. Guenther.

Etanercept, the first TNF inhibitor, and ustekinumab, which targets

IL-12 and IL-23, have both demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of

the condition. Ustekinumab, however, is not yet available in the U.S.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAD/13188

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