FDA Approves Stelara
FDA Approves Stelara (ustekinumab) to Treat Psoriasis
September 25, 2009 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Stelara (ustekinumab), a biologic product for adults who have a moderate to severe form of psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis is an immune system disorder that results in the rapid overproduction of skin cells. About 6 million people in the United States have plaque psoriasis which is characterized by thickened patches of inflamed, red skin, often covered with silvery scales.
"This approval provides an alternative treatment for people with plaque psoriasis, which can cause significant physical discomfort from pain and itching and result in poor self-image for people who are self-conscious about their appearance," said Julie Beitz, M.D., director, Office of Drug Evaluation III, in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Stelara is a monoclonal antibody, a laboratory-produced molecule that mimics the body’s own antibodies that are produced as part of the immune system. The biologic treats psoriasis by blocking the action of two proteins which contribute to the overproduction of skin cells and inflammation.
Three studies of 2,266 patients evaluated the biologic’s safety and effectiveness.
Since Stelara reduces the immune system's ability to fight infections, the product poses a risk of infection. Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving the product and some of them have lead to hospitalization. These infections were caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. There may also be an increased risk of developing cancer.
The FDA is requiring a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy or REMS for Stelara that includes a communication plan targeted to healthcare providers and a medication guide for patients.
Stelara is manufactured by Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. of Horsham, Pa., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J.
Related Articles:
FDA Extends Review Timeline for Stelara (ustekinumab) Biologic License Application by Three Months - May 27, 2009
FDA Issues Complete Response Letter to Centocor for Ustekinumab Biologic License Application - December 19, 2008
FDA Extends Review Timeline for Ustekinumab Biologic License Application Three Months - August 8, 2008
FDA Advisory Committee Unanimously Recommends Approval of Ustekinumab for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis - June 18, 2008
Centocor Announces Ustekinumab Biologic License Application Accepted for Filing by FDA - February 4, 2008
Medarex to Receive Milestone Payment for Submission of Regulatory Applications Requesting Approval of Ustekinumab (CNTO 1275) for Treatment of Psoriasis - December 7, 2007
Centocor and Janssen-Cilag Submit Applications Requesting Approval of Ustekinumab in the U.S. and Europe for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis - December 4, 2007
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