HORSHAM, Pa., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial evaluating ustekinumab (CNTO 1275) in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis will be presented for the first time at the 21st meeting of the World Congress of Dermatology, which takes place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5, 2007 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The presentation, entitled CNTO 1275 (anti-IL-12/23p40) Treatment of Psoriasis: Phase 3 Trial Results will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time (GMT +3:00; 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT), Room A, La Rural Convention Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
These first reported findings will be the subject of a live press briefing and webcast, which will be broadcast from the World Congress of Dermatology on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. EDT. Media and analysts are invited to register at http://www.CNTO1275WCD.com and listen live on Oct. 3 as investigators from the trial will review and discuss the data.
About Ustekinumab
Ustekinumab is a new, fully-human monoclonal antibody in Phase 3 development by Centocor, Inc. for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and is being investigated as an infrequently-administered subcutaneous injection. Ustekinumab is a novel biologic therapy that targets interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interleukin 23 (IL-23), naturally occurring proteins that are important in normalizing the immune system and that are also believed to play a role in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Centocor discovered ustekinumab and has exclusive marketing rights to the product in the United States. Janssen-Cilag companies will market ustekinumab in all countries outside of the United States.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that results from inflammation in the skin and overproduction of skin cells that accumulate on the surface causing red, scaly plaques that may itch and bleed. This chronic inflammation is driven in part by IL-12 and IL-23, cytokines involved in the regulation of the body's immune response. It is estimated that 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis, including two percent of both the U.S. and European populations, or some 7.5 million Americans and 10 million Europeans. Nearly one-quarter of people with psoriasis have cases that are considered moderate to severe.
About Centocor, Inc.
Centocor is harnessing the power of world-leading research and biomanufacturing to deliver innovative biomedicines that transform patients' lives. Centocor has already brought innovation to the treatment of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, pediatric Crohn's disease and psoriasis.
The world leader in monoclonal antibody production and technology, Centocor has brought critical biologic therapies to patients suffering from debilitating immune disorders. Centocor, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
About Janssen-Cilag
The Janssen-Cilag companies are members of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics markets. Janssen-Cilag companies have a long track record in developing and marketing treatments for central nervous system disorders, pain management, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and oncology.
Centocor, Inc.CONTACT: Media, Michael Parks of Centocor, Inc., +1-215-325-4010,+1-215-983-8000 (mobile); or Investors, Louise Mehrotra, +1-732-524-6491,or Stan Panasewicz, +1-732-524-2524, or Lesley Fishman, +1-732-524-3922,all of Johnson & Johnson
Web site: http://www.CNTO1275WCD.com/
