A new drug for psoriatic arthritis has shown promise in a clinical trial.
The study by Stanford University found that it significantly reduced symptoms for sufferers.
These include joint tenderness and swelling.
Previously, standard pharmaceutical treatments had provided no effective or long-lasting relief.
Researchers discovered that the biologic drug, ixekizumab, resulted in more than half of participants experiencing at least a 20 per cent reduction in the number of tender and swollen joints.
It also significantly out-performed the placebo.
In the study, the researchers looked at over 300 adults, for whom standard drugs were no longer working or never worked.
The findings are particularly important given that if left untreated, or treated unsuccessfully, the condition can develop into severe joint and bone damage and functional disability.
About one in 200 adults in developed countries suffers from psoriatic arthritis.
The condition causes inflammation in and around the joints, according to Arthritis Research UK.
Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50.
It usually affects those who already have psoriasis.
The common skin condition causes red, scaly rash, especially on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks and scalp.
While the ultimate cause of the disease remains unknown, inflammation is the trigger.
A third of people will have a mild form of the disease that remains stable.
However others will have symptoms which need long-term treatment.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
