Can Stelara be used to treat plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients 6 years and older?
Stelara (ustekinumab) is a biologic medication that targets interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, proteins involved in inflammation. For children aged 6 years and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, Stelara is an FDA-approved treatment option when topical therapies or phototherapy are not enough.
What the research says
According to FDA labeling, Stelara is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients 6 years and older who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy 23. This approval covers both plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis in this age group 23. A network meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials involving 1016 pediatric patients found that biologics, including ustekinumab, were significantly more effective than placebo at achieving clear or almost clear skin 4. However, an earlier review noted that in the United States, ustekinumab was initially approved for ages 12 and older 7, but the FDA has since expanded the indication to include children as young as 6 years 23. Biosimilars of ustekinumab, such as AVT04, are also approved for pediatric plaque psoriasis in the EU and show similar efficacy and safety 6.
What to ask your doctor
- Is Stelara a good option for my child's moderate to severe plaque psoriasis?
- What are the possible side effects of Stelara in children?
- How is Stelara administered, and how often does my child need treatment?
- Are there any other biologic treatments approved for children 6 years and older that we should consider?
- Does my child need any screening tests before starting Stelara?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pediatrics and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.