One-year data on ustekinumab (CNTO 1275), Centocor’s experimental psoriasis treatment, were reported last week at a dermatology conference and showed that the treatment sustained its effectiveness and safety for 52 weeks. (Ustekinumab’s 12-week data was reported here.)
In addition, a scientific poster at the conference reported 76 week data consistent with earlier reports. Specifically, of those who were strong responders at week 28 and week 40, the vast majority sustained their improvement through week 76 when maintained on a once-every-12-weeks injection regimen. (In other words, if this treatment works well for you for 40 weeks, it is likely to work at least another 9 months after that.) Nor were any new safety concerns identified.
Ustekinumab is designed to block two inflammatory proteins, Interleukin-12 and Interleukin-23 (IL-12 and IL-23), which makes this treatment different than existing biologics.
The FDA has begun its review of this potential new treatment. A decision is likely near the end of 2008. We’ll keep you posted.
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