Stelara vs. Enbrel trial results

The results of the first head-to-head trial between two biologic agents for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis was published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week.

The results reveal the superior efficacy of Stelara (ustekinumab) over high dose Enbrel (etaneracept).

The patients were divided into three groups. One received Stelara 45 mg at week 0 and week 4. Another received Stelara 90 mg at week 0 and week 4. The third group received or Enbrel 50 mg twice a week for 12 weeks.

At 12 weeks, a good response was recorded among:

• 50% of the Enbrel 50 mg group
• 67% of the Stelara 45 mg group
• 75% of the Stelara 90 mg group

Furthermore the half of the Enbrel group who did not obtain a good response following 12 weeks did show a good response with two doses of Stelara 90.

Although the safety between the groups was comparable, the long term safety data of Selara is not as well as established as it is for Enbrel which was FDA approved for psoriasis in 2003.