Ustekinumab examined as ankylosing spondylitis treatment

A drug called ustekinumab (Stelara) has had promising results in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) – a severe form of inflammatory back pain – according to a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

The trial involved an injection of 90mg of the drug at the start of the trial, week four and week 16 in 20 people with active AS.

Scientists wanted to know how well the drug worked (ie how many people achieved a positive response rate) and how safe it is, over a period of 24 weeks.

Results showed that 65% of participants reached the targeted goal. The drug also reduced inflammation and the reliance on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

“Ustekinumab treatment was associated with a reduction of signs and symptoms in active AS and was well tolerated,” concludes the research team.

Ustekinumab is already used to treat psoriatic arthritis and severe plaque psoriasis when other medicines have failed or produced very bad side effects. The current work suggests it could be useful in the treatment of AS too. But before then, trials in larger number of people need to be carried out so that experts can be sure that it works well and is safe.