Ustekinumab: The “New Kid on the Block” in the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

ABSTRACT Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory seronegative spondyloarthritis associated with psoriasis. While TNF‐α inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatic diseases, including PsA, not all patients respond to these agents while others are unsuitable or intolerant to them. Thus, there is a need for additional treatment modalities with a novel mechanism of action. In the past years, the IL‐23/Th17 axis has emerged as an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of PsA. Ustekinumab, a fully human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that targets the common subunit p40 of IL‐12 and IL‐23, has been shown in clinical trials, to be well‐tolerated and effective in patients with active PsA. It improved signs and symptoms of PsA, inhibited radiographic progression and was effective in dactylitis, enthesitis, and skin disease, with a safety profile consistent with the one observed in patients with psoriasis. Moreover, it was to be effective in anti‐TNF‐α experienced patients, definitely fulfilling an unmet need in the management of PsA.
Source: Drug Development Research - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research