(January 14, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

A new drug known as Stelara appears to be more effective than Enbrel for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, according to a head-to-head comparison published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here is some information about psoriasis:

•    It is a skin condition that typically produces red, scaly, raised patches of skin known as plaques

•    It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it is caused by a disruption in the normal activity of the immune system

•    It is a chronic condition that comes and goes, but it is not contagious

In a 12-week study, over 900 individuals with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were treated with either a high or low dose of Stelara or with a standard dose of Enbrel. Stelara is also known by its generic name ustekinumab, while Enbrel is also called etancercept. Both drugs are biologic agents that work by blocking different functions of the immune system.

At the end of 12 weeks, 68% of those on the low dose of Stelara and 74% of those on the high dose of the drug experienced at least a 75% improvement in their condition, based on a standard measurement of psoriasis severity. In contrast, only 57% of those taking Enbrel experienced this much improvement. Similarly, 65% of those on low dose Stelara, 71% on high dose Stelara, but only 41% of those on Enbrel experienced a near or complete clearing of their psoriasis. In addition, nearly half of those who did not respond to Enbrel and who eventually went on to try Stelara experienced substantial improvement in their condition.

Today's research highlights the benefits of Stelara over Enbrel for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis.