INTRODUCTION: The biologic, Ustekinumab (Stelara®, Centocor, Inc., Malvern, PA, 
USA), is a fully human monoclonal antibody with a high affinity for the shared 
p40 subunit of interleukins 12 and 23 (IL-12 and IL-23). Approved for use in 
treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis in 2009, there has been considerable 
interest in the long-term safety of ustekinumab.
AREAS COVERED: This review discusses the use of ustekinumab in the treatment of 
psoriasis and its potential to be an effective and well-tolerated therapy. A 
literature search was performed for articles published through April 2013 to 
identify any safety concerns.
EXPERT OPINION: Our results indicate that ustekinumab has demonstrated higher 
efficacy rates as compared to traditional therapies; and with a favorable dosing 
schedule and stable safety profile, patients with recalcitrant disease will now 
have another option for treatment.