What is/are Ustekinumab?
Ustekinumab (INN, experimental name CNTO 1275, proprietary commercial name Stelara, Centocor) is a human monoclonal antibody. It is directed against interleukin 12 and interleukin 23, naturally occurring proteins that regulate the immune system and immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. In two Phase III trials for moderate to severe psoriasis, the longest >76 weeks, ustekinumab was safe and effective.
A third Phase III trial, ACCEPT, compared the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab with etanercept in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This trial found a significantly higher clinical response with ustekinumab over the 12-week study period compared to high-dose etanercept.It also demonstrated the clinical benefit of ustekinumab among patients who failed to respond to etanercept Ustekinumab is approved in Canada, Europe and the United States to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
As of November 2009, the drug is being investigated for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. It has also been tested in Phase II studies for multiple sclerosis and sarcoidosis, the latter versus golimumab (Simponi).
Adverse effects
According to information provided by Centocor, maker of one medication based on ustekinumab, their version of the drug is associated with several types of serious adverse effects. These include an increased risk of infection, such as by tuberculosis and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. As with some other immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine, the brain swelling of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a risk. The pharmaceutical company also reports serious allergic reaction as a possible side effect. More common side effects are upper respiratory infection, headache, and tiredness.
Mechanism of action
CNTO 1275 is designed to interfere with the triggering of the body's inflammatory response through the suppression of certain cytokines. Specifically, CNTO 1275 blocks interleukin IL-12 and IL-23 which help activate certain T-cells.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Ustekinumab, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.