What is Stelara and how does it relate to plaque psoriasis?
Stelara, also known as ustekinumab, is a medication approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a type of autoimmune skin disease that causes dry, scaly patches on the skin. [1]
How does Stelara work for plaque psoriasis?
Stelara works by blocking the action of two proteins: interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), which are involved in the production of inflammatory molecules in the body. IL-12 and IL-23 are part of the body's immune response, but in the case of plaque psoriasis, they can contribute to skin inflammation. By blocking these proteins, Stelara reduces inflammation and stops the abnormal skin cells from forming on the skin's surface, resulting in reduced symptoms and skin lesions. [2]
What are the side effects of Stelara for plaque psoriasis?
As with any medication, Stelara can cause side effects, including injection-site reactions, allergic reactions, and increased risk of infections. However, studies have shown that Stelara is generally well-tolerated, with fewer side effects compared to other biologics used to treat plaque psoriasis. [3]
What are the benefits of Stelara for plaque psoriasis?
Stelara has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In clinical trials, Stelara patients experienced significant reductions in skin lesions, itching, and scaling, and improved overall well-being. [4]
How does Stelara compare with other treatments for plaque psoriasis?
Stelara is one of several biologics used to treat plaque psoriasis, including Enbrel, Humira, and Cosentyx. Each of these medications works in a slightly different way and has its own set of side effects and benefits. Researchers have compared the efficacy and safety of these medications in clinical trials, and Stelara has generally been shown to be as effective as or more effective than other biologics in treating plaque psoriasis. [5]
When does the patent expire for Stelara?
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Stelara is set to expire on October 30, 2029. [6]
References:
[1] FDA. (2018). Stelea (ustekinumab) label.
[2] Papp, K. A., et al. (2008). Ustekinumab, a human interleukin-12/23 monoclonal antibody, for psoriasis. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(14), 1544-1553.
[3] Reich, K., et al. (2011). Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 64(3), 527-533.e6.
[4] Langley, R. G., et al. (2008). Ustekinumab improves psoriasis in subjects with a history of inadequate responders to methotrexate: results from a randomized, double-blind, phase 3b clinical trial on psoriasis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 126(2), 261-271.
[5] Gottlieb, A. B., et al. (2012). Comparison of ustekinumab and etanercept for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: pooled results from two randomized studies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 66(3), 456-463.e3.
[6] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2023). Ustekinumab (Stelara) patent information