Ustekinumab clears regulatory hurdle
Psoriasis Foundation Board member, Dan Farrington, Senior Director of Advocacy and External Affairs, Sheila Rittenberg, and Ellen Clements at the FDA hearing on ustekinumab.
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On June 17, an FDA advisory committee unanimously recommended the approval of ustekinumab, a biologic drug that treats moderate to severe psoriasis. "The potential impact ustekinumab could have on the psoriasis community is tremendous," says National Psoriasis Foundation Director of Research Bruce Bebo, Ph.D.
At Tuesday's advisory committee, two volunteers, Dan Farrington and Ellen Clements, testified on behalf of the National Psoriasis Foundation. Each shared their experiences living with psoriasis and the importance of approving additional psoriasis treatments.
"I don't know where the journey will take me, but I do know what I am doing is important to helping find a cure for my grandchildren and all people in the future," testified Ellen Clements.
Offering a variety of treatments to those living with the disease is critical, as a "one-size fits all" treatment approach doesn't work.
"While the number of available treatments for psoriasis has grown over recent years, there is still a significant need for additional effective treatments," testified Dan Farrington, a member of the National Psoriasis Foundation Board of Trustees. "Psoriasis presents uniquely in every individual and treatments that help one person may not help the next."
"On behalf of the National Psoriasis Foundation and psoriasis community, I commend the advisory committee for recommending the approval of this biologic drug. We look forward to hearing the final outcome regarding ustekinumab," says Dr. Bebo.
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