12 + 23 = psoriatic relief

Johnson & Johnson thinks ustekinumab, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody against IL-12 and IL-23, could represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of psoriasis. Based on data presented last week, the MAb appears to have efficacy as good as the best marketed biologics plus improved convenience and a better safety profile.

At the World Congress of Dermatology in Buenos Aires, the company reported ustekinumab met the primary endpoint of PASI 75 score in a Phase III trial in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, setting the stage for the submission of marketing applications in the U.S. and Europe this year...