Johnson and Johnson announces analysis of Remicade study

Centotor, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has announced the analysis of data from a clinical study of Remicade (infliximab) in patients with severe psoriasis.

The European infliximab for psoriasis (Remicade) efficacy and safety study (Express) and Express II trials showed that three-quarters of patients exhibited a 75 per cent improvement in symptoms measured by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, while those patients with psoriasis affecting the nails also showed significant improvements in their symptoms.

Remicase is an anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy that is approved for uses in gastroenterology, rheumatology and dermatology. The compound has shown efficacy in treating a number of diseases, including Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and ulcerative colitis.

Phoebe Rich, associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health Sciences University, said: “These data are promising because the results demonstrate the efficacy of Remicade in psoriasis patients whose disease is affecting the nails, a difficult-to-treat and chronic manifestation that can affect a large proportion of patients with psoriasis.”

She added that associated symptoms related to psoriasis of the nails include separation of the nails from the nail beds or deep holes in the nails which can result in pain, discomfort and restrictions to daily activities.

Johnson & Johnson announced that the European Commission had granted its approval to Remicade for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in Europe in October 2005.