FDA accepts Remicade for review in psoriasis

It is estimated that nearly two million Americans suffer from moderate to severe psoriasis, a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that can be both physically and emotionally debilitating.

The FDA’s acceptance of the application for Remicade in psoriasis follows the September 2005 European Commission approval of the drug for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who failed to respond to, or have a contraindication to, or are intolerant of other systemic therapy including cyclosporine, methotrexate or psoralen plus ultraviolet light A.

Remicade is already approved in the US for reducing signs and symptoms of active arthritis in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

“The results we have seen in dermatologic clinical trials evaluating Remicade have been very encouraging,” said Dr Cynthia Guzzo, executive director, Immunology, Centocor. “The continued study of Remicade for the treatment of psoriatic disease demonstrates the commitment of Centocor to the dermatology community and to advancing treatment expectations for physicians and patients.”