FDA approves Wezlana, a biosimilar to Stelara, for several inflammatory conditions.

The FDA has approved a new drug called Wezlana (ustekinumab-ttwe). It is a biosimilar to Stelara, meaning it is highly similar and works the same way. Wezlana treats four chronic inflammatory conditions: moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderately to severely active Crohn's disease, and moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. For psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, it can be used in adults and children ages 6 and older. For Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, it is approved for adults only. Wezlana works by blocking certain proteins (interleukin-12 and -23) that cause inflammation. The approval gives patients and doctors another treatment choice for these long-term conditions. It can be given as a shot under the skin or through an IV, with dosing based on weight for some uses. As with any new drug, it is important to talk to your doctor to see if Wezlana is a good option for you. Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and risks based on your personal health history.