Can Ustekinumab cure psoriasis?

Ustekinumab (Ustekinumab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 with high specificity and affinity, thereby inhibiting IL-12 and IL-23-mediated inflammation associated with psoriasis. In two large phase III trials in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, subjects who received ustekinumab 45 or 90 mg subcutaneously had a 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) scores at 12 weeks, significantly more than those who received placebo. Other efficacy measures, including physicians' overall assessment of clinical response at week 12, also favored ustekinumab over placebo.

Psoriasis symptoms were controlled during maintenance treatment with ustekinumab for up to 76 weeks. In a Phase II trial in patients with active plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, ustekinumab improved signs and symptoms of arthritis and psoriasis symptom control to a greater extent than placebo at 12 weeks in the proportion of patients achieving a 20% improvement. However, ustekinumab does not cure psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic disease for which there is currently no complete cure.

The generic drug Ustekinumab has been launched in China and is included in the medical insurance, and is only reimbursed for patients who meet the indications. The price of the 130mg/26ml intravenous injection preparation may be more than 5,000 yuan per box, and the price of the 90mg: 1.0ml*1 subcutaneous injection preparation may be more than 8,000 yuan per box. The price of the 130mg/26ml intravenous injection preparation of Ustekinumab sold overseas may be more than 2,000 US dollars per box, and the price of 45mg: 0.5ml*1 subcutaneous injection preparation per box may be more than 10,000 US dollars. There are currently no generic versions of ustekinumab produced in other overseas countries.