Off-label uses of ustekinumab

Ustekinumab (brand name Stelara (R)) is a human interleukin-12 and -23 antagonist and has been indicated for the treatments of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This review aims to synthesize and interpret the literature evaluating the off-label uses of ustekinumab. We performed searches in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials, observational studies, case series, and case reports evaluating label uses of ustekinumab. Studies evaluated the efficacy of ustekinumab for the following conditions: other types of psoriasis (expect plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis), pityriasis rubra pilaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, atopic dermatitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, et al. Based on the available literature, ustekinumab appears to be a potential treatment choice for many other diseases. However, more clinical trials data are needed to adequately assess the safety and efficacy of ustekinumab for the treatment of these conditions.