Abstract
Systemic treatment of psoriasis is a fast progressing field. Beside TNF antagonists there is now an IL-12/IL- 23 antagonist available.
Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the key cytokines in psoriasis pathogenesis. It inhibits the differentiation into Th1 and the Th17 subpopulation via IL-12 and IL-23 blockade.
In induction therapy one dose in week 0. and 4. is given, in maintenace therapy in 3 months intervals. The dose of 45 or 90 mg is given subucutaneously, according to the body weight (under or above 100 kg).
The effectiveness in PASI 75 is 67/66% in week 12. and 76/85 % in week 24. The safety profil seems to be very good.