ustekinumab (Stelara)

Advice

Following a full submission

ustekinumab (Stelara) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant to other systemic therapies including ciclosporin, methotrexate and psoralen and UVA treatment (PUVA).

Significantly more patients treated with ustekinumab achieved at least 75% improvement in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at week 12, compared with those treated with a tumour necrosis factor alpha antagonist.

Continued treatment should be restricted to patients who achieve a PASI 75 response within 16 weeks.

This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of ustekinumab. This SMC advice is dependent upon the continuing availability of the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland.