Following a full submission, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted ustekinumab (Stelara®) 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).  Continued treatment should be restricted to patients who achieve a PASI 75 response within 16 weeks.

This advice takes account of a Patient Access Scheme that improves the cost-effectiveness of ustekinumab, and is therefore dependent upon its continuing availability in NHS Scotland.

The drug advice notes that 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 etanercept.  Please see the link below for further details of the assessment.