Dec. 17 JAMA study shows new 'biologic' drug reduces psoriasis symptoms, improves quali...( sis can compromise physical social and...)

Results of the study shows that the patients who received the biologic therapy achieve significant improvement vs. placebo.

"The efalizumab treatment reduced the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms, particularly in the severity of itching and scaling," said Gordon.

Psoriasis can develop at any age, although it usually shows up in 15- to 35-year-olds. Average age at diagnosis: 28 years. Earlier medicines for psoriasis had side effects, such as liver or kidney toxicity. Psoriasis can be triggered by stress, certain medicines or injury to the skin. Because 33 percent of people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease, it is impossible to know who will get psoriasis.

Affecting five million Americans (average age at diagnosis: 28 years), psoriasis has no cure but effective new treatments are emerging with medications called "biologics."

"No medicine is appropriate for everyone," said Gordon. "Individuals must check with their doctor before pursuing any psoriasis therapy."

Visit the Loyola University Health System Web site http://www.luhs.org for more information. To schedule an appointment with Gordon, call (708) 216-3835.

Gordon has received research finding from Genentech, Inc.

'"/>

Contact: Joanne Swanson
jswanson@lumc.edu
708-216-2445
Loyola University Health System
16-Dec-2003