Efficacy and safety of infliximab monotherapy for plaque-type psoriasis: a randomised trial

Lancet. 2001 Jun 9;357(9271):1842-7. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)04954-0.

Abstract

Background: Currently available treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis are either incompletely effective in some patients, or are associated with toxic effects. Since tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we did a double-blind, randomised trial to assess the clinical benefit and safety of infliximab-a monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha.

Methods: 33 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were randomly assigned intravenous placebo (n=11), infliximab 5 mg/kg (n=11), or infliximab 10 mg/kg (n=11) at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Patients were assessed at week 10 for the primary endpoint (score on the physician's global assessment [PGA]). Analysis was by intention to treat.

Findings: Of the 33 patients enrolled, three dropped out. Nine of 11 (82%) patients in the infliximab 5 mg/kg group were responders (good, excellent, or clear rating on PGA), compared with two of 11 (18%) in the placebo group (difference 64% [95% CI 20-89], p=0.0089), and ten of 11 (91%) patients in the infliximab 10 mg/kg group were responders (difference from placebo 73% [30-94], p=0.0019). The median time to response was 4 weeks for patients in both infliximab groups. There were no serious adverse events, and infliximab was well tolerated.

Interpretation: In this controlled trial, patients receiving the anti-TNF-alpha agent infliximab as monotherapy experienced a high degree of clinical benefit and rapid time to response in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis compared with patients who received placebo. These findings suggest that TNF-alpha has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab