Stopping the itch: a new drug to treat psoriasis

There's good news for the millions of Americans who suffer from psoriasis. A recently-approved new drug is helping many patients clear their skin and get rid of the itching and pain.

Cecil Ortiz, 51, of San Antonio has been struggling with psoriasis for more than a decade. The red, itchy, scaly skin condition was miserable, and even led to discrimination.

"They'll look at you and right away they'll judge you," Ortiz said. "You look sick."

is a chronic immune problem, an inflammatory skin condition.

"The impact can be quite significant," noted Dr. Mark Lee, a San Antonio dermatologist. "If you have a severe case of psoriasis, it can be very devastating emotionally and socially."

Now, doctors have a new weapon to attack the problem, an injected medication called . It's a monoclonal antibody that blocks the action of two proteins that contribute to the overproduction of skin cells.

During clinical trials of the drug, two-thirds of patients saw 75% improvement. About half saw 90% clearance. Lee, who is helping test Stelara's effectiveness, says he's witnessed "fantastic" results with few side effects.

"I have used pills, I have done light therapy in the past, I have done the other shots that are out there on the market now," Lee recalled. "This, in my experience, has been the best."

Ortiz still has patches of psoriasis on his arms, but it used to cover most of his body. He says his skin is no longer his enemy.

"My life has changed completely," declared Ortiz. "My new skin has come back. It's just wonderful. It is wonderful."

Stelara has been FDA approved for patients 18 and older with moderate to severe psoriasis. The injections are given at the doctor's office.