Adolescents with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis have a new option for treatment. On Oct. 13, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Stelara (ustekinumab) for treating psoriasis in youth ages 12 and older. Stelara is a biologic (a drug made in a lab from living cells) that blocks proteins interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 from attaching to other cells, thus preventing an undesired inflammatory response – raised, red patches of skin that are often itchy and painful. Stelara is administered in two initial injections followed by an additional injection every 12 weeks, the fewest doses of any biologic option for plaque psoriasis treatment. Adolescents also must be candidates for phototherapy (skin exposure to UV light) or systemic therapy (pills or injections).
Learn more here: https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/fda-approves-biologic-treating-psoriasis-12-and-up
