Ustekinumab in Dermatology: Approved Indications and Off-label Uses

Abstract

Ustekinumab is a human antibody that interacts with the p40 chain shared by both interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23. Treatment with usterkinumab can effectively inactivate the biological functions of IL-12 and IL-23 to control aberrant Th1 and Th17 immunological responses. Ustekinumab is the first unique IL-12/IL-23 blocker approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with moderate or severe psoriasis. Subsequently, its application has extended as a therapeutic option for psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Given its therapeutic mechanism, usterkinumab may be used as a potential alternative for treatment of a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. More importantly, usterkinumab is relatively safe, as the associated adverse reactions are generally non-serious and rare; although continuous monitoring of its adverse events is warranted. Here, we discuss the therapeutic effects of ustekinumab and its clinical applications specifically in dermatology.