Study finds potential use of ustekinumab for Crohn's disease

Ustekinumab, an antibody proven to treat the skin condition psoriasis, has now shown positive results in decreasing the debilitating effects of Crohn's disease, according to researchers at the University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, USA. The Phase IIb study, which was sponsored by US health care giant Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen Research & Development, appeared in the October 18, 2012 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

Results from the clinical trial showed ustekinumab (Janssen’s Stelara) increased clinical response and remission in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease - a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can lead to a variety of distressing symptoms, including diarrhea, intestinal bleeding and weight loss. Serious complications such as bowel obstruction and abscesses can also occur.

Stelara, a biologic approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, saw sales rise 40.9% on an operation basis to $248 million in the second quarter of 2012.