The FDA today approved the drug Stelara from Johnson & Johnson for the treatment of psoriasis, a disease which affects between 1%-3% of the population.

J&J has set pricing for Stelara at $18,000 – $32,000 per year depending on the dosage given.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease resulting in the over-production of skin cells which accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to raised, red, scaly plaques that may itch and bleed. In addition to the significant impact that psoriasis can have on quality of life, many patients report feeling dissatisfied and frustrated with some existing treatment options which can be inconvenient and time consuming to use.

Stelara requires a doctor’s visit and is given by injection.  Patients must receive repeated injections to maintain the drug’s effects.  About two-thirds of patients treated with Stelara saw visible improvement in their psoriasis.  However, like other available systemic treatments for psoriasis, Stelara has potentially serious side effects, including increased risk of infection and cancer.

The FDA states: “Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving the product and some of them have led to hospitalization. These infections were caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. There may also be an increased risk of developing cancer.”

For those who are concerned about the cost of Stelara or do not wish to risk these potentially life threatening side effects, there is a recently launched natural alternative.  Tinefcon, distributed in the US and Europe by Just Look Natural Health, is a completely natural, tablet form dietary supplement which has recently been selected by the American Academy of Dermatology for presentation at its annual meeting.

To learn more, readers can visit www.tinefcon.com.