MEDI-545, targeting interferon-alpha, being tested for psoriasis

Another potential treatment for psoriasis is being investigated:

MedImmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEDI) today announced that it has initiated a Phase 1 trial with its monoclonal antibody (MAb) targeting interferon-alpha, known as MEDI-545, in patients with psoriasis.

It is also being investigated for lupus. According to the company:

A growing body of preclinical data suggests that type-1 interferons are involved in a range of chronic inflammatory diseases. Elevated type-1 interferon mRNA levels have been found in preclinical models of psoriasis, and inhibition of type 1 interferon in these models has been shown to block the development of psoriasis. Preclinical study results have also demonstrated that interferon-alpha-induced genes and proteins are over-expressed in the skin in animal models of psoriasis.

MEDI-545 (previously known as MDX-1103) is a fully human antibody. It was developed by Medarex, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEDX), and has a partnership with MedImmune for MEDI-545.

We have updated our comprehensive report on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments undergoing clinical testing to reflect this news.