A new treatment option has been approved in the European Union for patients with psoriasis, paving the way for access to a novel approach for those with moderate-to-severe forms of the disease who are candidates for systemic therapy. <\/p>\n
LEO Pharmas Kyntheum (brodalumab) is a novel biologic and the first and only psoriasis treatment to target the L-17 receptor. <\/p>\n
By binding to this specific receptor on the cells of the skin, brodalumab blocks the biological activity of several pro-inflammatory IL-17 cytokines involved in plaque formation, offering a different mechanism of action to all other psoriasis biologics currently available, which target free inflammatory mediators. <\/p>\n
In the clinical trials, 37-44 percent of patients treated with the drug achieved complete skin clearance (PASI 100) at week 12, compared with 19-22 percent with ustekinumab, with high levels of skin clearance sustained with continuous brodalumab treatment through week 52. <\/p>\n
The most common adverse events linked to the drug were arthralgia (joint pain), nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and pharynx), headache, and upper respiratory tract infection, LEO noted. <\/p>\n
Kyntheums approval is an important milestone for nearly two million people living with psoriasis in the UK, a quarter of whom will have, or may develop, a moderate or severe form of the disease, said Professor Richard Warren, consultant dermatologist, North West, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. <\/p>\n
Despite recent advances in treatment, there are still some patients who cannot achieve the complete, sustained skin clearance they desire. Brodalumab with its differentiated mode of action represents a valuable treatment option, one I believe will be welcomed in the field of dermatology. <\/p>\n
EU clearance follows that in US where the drug was approved under the brand name Siliq, but with a boxed warning on suicide and a restricted prescriber programme. Valeant holds US rights to the drug. <\/p>\n
Nearly 1.8 million people live with psoriasis in the UK, and 25 percent of them can develop a moderate or severe form of the disease. <\/p>\n
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EU approves LEO Pharma's psoriasis biologic - PharmaTimes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A new treatment option has been approved in the European Union for patients with psoriasis, paving the way for access to a novel approach for those with moderate-to-severe forms of the disease who are candidates for systemic therapy. LEO Pharmas Kyntheum (brodalumab) is a novel biologic and the first and only psoriasis treatment to target the L-17 receptor Continue reading