Dermatology Handbook
For UK audiences

The essential guide to product selection

DH
Ustekinumab (Stelara)
Systemic psoriasis treatments Janssen-Cilag

Ustekinumab (Stelara)

Ustekinumab is a fully human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds with specificity to the shared p40 protein subunit of human cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23. Ustekinumab inhibits the bioactivity of human IL-12 and IL-23 by preventing p40 from binding to the IL-12Rβ1 receptor protein expressed on the surface of immune cells. Ustekinumab cannot bind to IL-12 or IL-23 that is already bound to IL-12Rβ1 cell surface receptors. Thus, ustekinumab is not likely to contribute to complement- or antibody-mediated cytotoxicity of cells with IL-12 and/or IL-23 receptors.

Indications

Treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapies including ciclosporin, methotrexate (MTX) or psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA). Paediatric plaque psoriasis: indicated Treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adolescent patients from the age of 12 years and older, who are inadequately controlled by, or are intolerant to, other systemic therapies or phototherapies. Psoriatic arthritis: indicated alone or in combination with MTX Treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients when the response to previous non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy has been inadequate.

Price

  • 45mg and 90mg solution for injection in pre-filed syringe, £CS

Systemic psoriasis treatments

All Systemic psoriasis treatments
Adalimumab (Amgevita)
Amgen

Adalimumab (Amgevita)

Biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira).
Adalimumab (Hyrimoz)
Sandoz

Adalimumab (Hyrimoz)

Biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira).
Etanercept (Erelzi)
Sandoz

Etanercept (Erelzi)

Biosimilar of etanercept (Enbrel).
Infliximab (Zessly)
Sandoz

Infliximab (Zessly)

Biosimilar of infliximab (Remicade).
Ixekizumab (Taltz)
Lilly

Ixekizumab (Taltz)

Ixekizumab is an IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity (<3 pM) and specificity to interleukin 17A (both IL-17A and IL-17A/F). Elevated concentrations of IL-17A have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by promoting keratinocyte proliferation and activation, as well as in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis by driving inflammation leading to erosive bone damage and pathological new bone formation. Neutralisation of IL-17A by ixekizumab inhibits these actions.
Secukinumab (Cosentyx)
Novartis

Secukinumab (Cosentyx)

Secukinumab is a fully human IgG1/k; monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralises the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A). Secukinumab works by targeting IL-17A and inhibiting its interaction with the IL-17 receptor, which is expressed on various cell types including keratinocytes. As a result, secukinumab inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and mediators of tissue damage and reduces IL-17A-mediated contributions to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Clinically relevant levels of secukinumab reach the skin and reduce local inflammatory markers. As a direct consequence treatment, secukinumab reduces erythema, induration and desquamation present in plaque psoriasis lesions.