New drug for psoriasis?

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A clinical trial shows that a drug for rheumatoid arthritis shows some promise in the treatment of psoriasis as well.
Psoriasis is a serious inflammatory skin condition that needs long term treatment. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key molecule in inflammation. A new drug, infliximab, can block TNF and has already been shown to be of value in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, another chronic inflammatory condition.

Researchers at the University of Manchester now reveal results from a trial of infliximab in psoriasis. A group of 378 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis was given infliximab or placebo at regular intervals for 46 weeks. Eighty per cent of those on the active drug showed a marked improvement in their condition. The drug had a rapid onset of action and showed a sustained benefit. Therefore infliximab offers new hope to those looking for an effective solution to psoriasis.

Source
The Lancet 15th October 2005

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