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Ustekinumab accepted by SMC

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The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted ustekinumab for use in patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have failed on, or are unsuitable for, treatment with an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drug.

What is the evidence to support this advice?

Two studies have shown that ustekinumab improved symptoms of psoriatic arthritis more effectively than placebo  at 24 weeks, in patients with active psoriatic arthritis who had an inadequate response to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

An economic analysis compared ustekinumab with other medicines commonly used to treat psoriatic arthritis. Despite some weaknesses and uncertainties in the analysis, it was considered to offer value for money.

SMC accepted ustekinumab for restricted use because it was effective and there was an unmet treatment need in psoriatic arthritis patients who are not suitable for or have failed on anti-TNF medicines.

What is ustekinumab used for?

Ustekinumab is a treatment for psoriatic arthritis. SMC previously accepted ustekinumab for restricted use in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in specified patients.

How does it work?

Ustekinumab improves symptoms by blocking the activity of molecules called cytokines (interleukin 12 and 23) in the body that trigger inflammation in psoriatic arthritis. It is given by injection. The first injection is repeated after 1 month. It is then given once every 12 weeks.

What has SMC advised?

  • SMC accepted ustekinumab for use in patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have failed on, or are unsuitable for, treatment with an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drug.
  • SMC accepted ustekinumab for restricted use because it was effective and there was an unmet treatment need in psoriatic arthritis patients who are not suitable for or have failed on anti-TNF medicines.

For more information visit:
www.scottishmedicines.org.uk