New psoriasis drug in the news

The World Congress of Dermatology met this past week in Argentina, and this story made international news. It is about the new biologic drug used to treat psoriasis, Ustekinumab. I found this study detailing its mechanism of action

Reddy M, Davis C, Wong J, Marsters P, Pendley C, Prabhakar U. Modulation of CLA, IL-12R, CD40L, and IL-2Ralpha expression and inhibition of IL-12- and IL-23-induced cytokine secretion by CNTO 1275. Cell Immunol. 2007 May;247(1):1-11.

This drug works by targeting IL-12 and IL-23. Current medications such as Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel), Efalizumab (Raptiva), and Infliximab (Remicade) work similarly by targeting other types of cell messangers. All but Efalizumab work by blocking TNF alpha, an inflammation-causing mediator. Efalizumab binds to CD11a and prevents T cell functioning. Because psoriasis is mediated by T cells, these biologic drugs can work. Further, IL-12 is one of the key mediators in T cell activation.

Part of the problem with the current biologics is that they are extremely expensive (which I'm sure Ustekinumab will be also), and they require weekly injections or infusions. This new drug promises to only require monthly self injections, which is far more convenient and less painful than the weekly administrations. It should also help reduce cost compared to a drug like remicade, which requires infusions at specialty pharmacies or a hospital.