NICE has opened a consultation on its draft guidance which proposes recommending ustekinumab (Stelara) as a treatment option for psoriatic arthritis in certain circumstances. 

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints and connective tissue, and is associated with psoriasis of the skin or nails. It is a progressive disorder that can range from mild synovitis (inflammation of the tissue lining joints such as the hip or shoulder) to severe progressive erosion of the joints.

In May 2014, NICE issued technology appraisal guidance 313 which did not recommend using ustekinumab alone or in combination with methotrexate, for treating active psoriatic arthritis in adults when the response to previous non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy has been inadequate.

This new draft guidance – which now proposes recommending ustekinumab in specific circumstances – is a rapid review of TA313 following the introduction of a patient access scheme which the company that manufactures ustekinumab has agreed with the Department of Health.

For more details, go to: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/nice-proposes-to-recommend-drug-for-psoriatic-arthritis