Study shows continuous use of Humira reduces signs of psoriasis

CHICAGO According to a new study in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, psoriasis patients taking the drug Humira showed a significant reduction in the signs of their disease when the drug was taken continuously. The drug is currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

The study, which was funded by the drug’s maker, Abbott Laboratories, was conducted over a year with more than 1,200 patients and examined short-term and sustained efficacy and safety of the drug in patients. The patients were either given Humira or a placebo. The patients were split up so that two-thirds took the drug, while the remaining third took the placebo.

After week 16, three big keys were discovered: three in four patients achieved skin clearance of 75 percent or better. Nearly half of patients achieved 90 percent clearance. And one in five patients treated with Humira achieved a complete clearing of their psoriasis.