Issues with Ustekinumab

Implications: On Tuesday, the FDA's Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drug Advisory Panel voted unanimously to approve the use of the injectable drug for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, a severe skin disease. As the FDA usually follows the recommendations of its advisory panels when reviewing new drugs for approval, it is anticipated that the regulatory body will approve the drug in the fourth quarter, analysts said. But concerns over the drug's carcinogenic potential and the panel's recommendation that the drug be administered only by a physician and not directly by the patient could diminish enthusiasm over ustekinumab and lessen the drug's potential market share.

Analysis: If the issue over cancer concern is communicated to dermatologists, this will greatly deter use.