Janssen-Cilag’s Stelara shows efficacy in new studies

Janssen-Cilag's plaque psoriasis treatment Stelara has demonstrated its long-term effectiveness in new clinical trials.

Data from the Phoenix 1 trial, presented at a recent meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, showed that a majority of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis patients showed sustained response to Stelara for up to three years.

The drug, which was developed by Centocor Ortho Biotech and is distributed by Janssen-Cilag outside the US, was shown to deliver benefits regardless of the patients' body weight.

Meanwhile, a separate study of data from previous phase II and III trials also affirmed the treatment's favourable benefit-risk profile over a three-year period.

Alexa Kimball, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and lead study investigator of Phoenix 1, said: "This data provides the dermatology community with new insights into the long-term efficacy of Stelara and the treatment of this chronic autoimmune disorder."

In June, Janssen-Cilag was granted European Commission approval to update its labelling of the multiple myeloma drug Velcade, highlighting the survival benefits it offers to previously untreated patients.