Phase III PHOENIX 1 study of Stelara (J&J Janssen Cilag) shows consistent results for plaque Psoriasis

New efficacy and safety data from the Phase III PHOENIX 1 study, one of two pivotal registration trials, showed that maintenance treatment with Stelara (ustekinumab), from J&J Janssen Cilag, for up to five years of follow up resulted in consistent, significant clinical response in adults with moderate to severe plaque Psoriasis. In the PHOENIX 1 trial, patients receiving ustekinumab 45 mg or 90 mg from baseline and who experienced at least a 75 per cent improvement from baseline in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75 responders) at week 28 and 40, were re-randomised to either placebo or continued to receive ustekinumab every 12 weeks at their original dose. Of the patients who received continued maintenance therapy over five years, 79 per cent receiving ustekinumab 45 mg and 81 per cent receiving ustekinumab 90 mg were PASI 75 responders at the end of the treatment period. Therapy was generally well-tolerated. Data were presented at the 9th Annual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Symposium.