Experimental psoriasis drug beats Enbrel in study

In an unusual head-to-head study, researchers for Johnson & Johnson's Centocor announced that their experimental therapy for psoriasis outperformed the leading biologic therapy in eliminating red, scaly skin patches. Data from the late-stage study demonstrated that ustekinumab reduced the patches by at least three quarters among 74 percent of patients in the 90 mg dose group and 68 percent in the 45 mg group. Only 57 percent of patients taking Enbrel, meanwhile, had a similar response.

"Now we have a drug that will be used less frequently...with a significant increase in effectiveness," said Dr. Alan Menzer, chairman of psoriasis research at Baylor Research Institute. "These results are as good as we've seen in psoriasis."

J&J has applied for marketing approval and is expecting a decision from the FDA before the end of this year. And analysts have been upbeat about J&J's drug, noting that current therapies are expensive, have to be injected and are linked to serious side effects.

- check out the AP report

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