il-12 and il-23 inhibitor shows promise for severe psoriasis

Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that antagonizes signalling of the heterodimeric cytokines interleukin 12 (IL-12) and IL-23 by binding to their shared p40 subunit. Previous work has suggested that IL-12 and IL-23 might be particularly important within psoriatic plaques (overexpression in both mice and humans with genetic deficiencies in these genes significantly decreased atopic responses). Phase III trials of ustekinumab have been very promising, with ustekinumab demonstrating significantly better results than etanercept (Enbrel), a soluble TNF-alpha receptor and currently one of the most effective treatments for severe psoriasis. For more information on the phase III clinical trials of ustekinumab, check out these updates:

http://www.nature.com/nrd/journal/v7/n11/full/nrd2753.html

http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v26/n12/pdf/nbt1208-1317a.pdf