FDA approves STELARA

In a recent news..FDA approved Stelara(ustekinumab)for adults to treat 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.
But stelara reduces body's immune system to fight against microbes..The patients are prone to many infections particularly those caused by virus, fungi etc. There are increasing risks of developing cancer.

Stelara is manufactured by Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. of Horsham, Pa., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J.

Reference : FDA Approvals@ www.drugs.com