Video

Few College Students Have Received the H1N1 Vaccine

Night Lights Could Lead to Depression

Cervarix Has Been Approved by the FDA

The FDA Is Studying the Effects of Lasik Surgery

Painkillers Can Dull the Effects of Childhood Vaccines

Childbirth May Becoming More Complicated

Botox Sponges Might Help Nose Allergies

The FDA Advises on How to Properly Dispose of Medicine

A French Study Shows Cell Phones Do Not Affect Humans

MRIs May Lead to More Back Surgery

Your More Likely to Wash Your Hands If Someone's Watching

Co-Sleeping Is a Leading Cause of SIDS

Night Shifts Don't Have a Major Effect On Surgeons

Exercise May Counter Fatigue from Chemotherapy

Healthy Neighborhoods Could Lower the Risk for Diabetes

Stelara Approved for Psoriasis

Posted on 09/25/2009, 15:08
By -- Scott Roberts

Helps block overproduction of skin cells

FRIDAY, Sept. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Stelara (ustekinumab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

The immune system disorder is characterized by the rapid overproduction of skin cells, which leads to red, scaly patches of inflamed skin. Some six million people in the United States have plaque psoriasis, the FDA said in a news release.

Stelara is a laboratory-produced monoclonal antibody that mimics the body's own antibodies. It blocks the action of two proteins that contribute to the overproduction of skin cells, the agency said.

The drug was evaluated in three studies of 2,266 people. Because it reduces the immune system's ability to fight infection, some users have developed serious infections that required hospitalization. Users may also have a heightened risk of cancer, the FDA said.

The agency is requiring the drug's maker, Pennsylvania-based Centocor Ortho Biotech, to devise a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy that includes a communication plan aimed at doctors and patients. The company is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

More information

To learn more about this approval, visit the FDA.

More news in Skin Health...

BigHealthTree.com Disclaimer

Bighealthtree.com Does Not Provide Medical Advice. This site, including the above information, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health or medical professional before starting any new treatment, changing existing treatment, or altering your current exercise and/or diet program. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 (or the emergency services in your area) or your doctor immediately.

Rating: 3.1 / 5 (81 votes)