I read that there is a new approved biological injection, that is working on psorisis and is in short supply (it is fda approved) Does anyone have any info on this?
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I read that there is a new approved biological injection, that is working on psorisis and is in short supply (it is fda approved) Does anyone have any info on this?
It sounds like you are talking about the drug Enbrel.
Enbrel received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 16, 2002, for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. It is the first drug to receive approval for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, a disease that affects approximately 23 percent of people who have psoriasis.
Enbrel was already approved by the FDA in late 1998 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and had since been approved for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as well.
It is one of a new class of medications called biologic response modifiers. It works by binding to and blocking the activity tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which promotes inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Because TNF is also believed to play a role in both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, researchers proceeded with trials to establish the benefits of this new drug for these diseases.
Phase III trial data was presented at the November 2001 American Academy of Rheumatology’s (ACR) annual meeting. According to data from these trials, Enbrel provides significant benefit for both joint and skin disease, as well as improving quality of life for those using it. In September of 2001 the FDA granted Enbrel a “priority review”, which resulted in the approval of the drug in January of 2002.
Enbrel is manufactured by Immunex Corporation, and you may go to their web site – www.enbrel.com - for specific information on the drug from the company.
Immunex has had some problems with manufacturing the drug fast enough to keep up with patient demand. However, they intend to have produced enough Enbrel to treat all patients on their waiting list be the end of 2002.
If you have additional questions about Enbrel, please call our Patient Education Specialists toll free at (800) 723-9166.
Yup that must be it, the "leave it to beaver" representitive for npf mentioned this in a newspaper add as helping him. Sorry his name is drawing a blank with me. Iam hopeful that this injection will work for psorisis skin conditions too! Thanks for the info..were all searching for answers!
Have you tried Methotrexate (MTX)?
If you are waiting for Enbrel it may be a long time. I have been on the list since February of this year, and they tell me I may be able to get it by December or January.
MTX has some side effects, but completly cleared my P up. It helped my PA for a while, but has stopped working for it. I am still taking it though.
If you are able to get MTX, you may want to consider the injection. If you take it by pill form, you could have nausea for a day or 2 afterward, every week.
I hope things work for you.
Scott in Atlanta, GA
Sorry, yes was on it for 8 years (the pill) and it quit working....I guess Jan. about here...thanks for replys!
Enbrel sounds promising but in the meantime you and your doctor should look at Methotrexate. I have been on for eighteen months now with excellent results and no adverse symptoms. It is a low dosage which I take with folic acid to counter any effects from Methotrexate. Also no alcohol consumption at all. But to be free of flaking and all the previous hazzle is a real treat.