Abbott releases Humira data for psoriasis

Phase III results of a psoriasis study involving a head-to-head comparison between a biological agent and a standard systemic treatment have been presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress.

The test undertaken by Abbott shows that its Humira (adalimumab) treatment was “statistically superior” to methotrexate for the treatment of psoriasis patients.

Abbott claims that 80 per cent of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who received the treatment demonstrated a 75 per cent improvement in 16 weeks, compared to 36 per cent of those receiving methotrexate.

Commenting on the study, Professor Jean-Hilaire Saurat, chairman of the department of dermatology at the University of Geneva, said: “The scales and plaques of psoriasis can cause both physical and emotional distress, making it essential to identify new options for these patients.

“The results of this study strongly suggest the potential Humira may have a s anew treatment for psoriasis.”

According to the Psoriasis Association, the condition current affects 2 per cent of the UK population and is believed to be linked to a “genetic tendency” that can be triggered by an injury, physical and emotional stress and infections.