Abbott has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for the use of Humira as a treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. In one clinical trial, more than 80%  of patients taking Humira achieved skin clearance of 75%  or better and in another, almost three quarters of patients achieved 75% clearance. In both trials, nearly half of the patients taking HUMIRA achieved 90% clearance as early as 16 weeks into treatment.

Psoriasis is the fifth approved indication for Humira in the EU. Humira is the first fully human, self-injectable biologic for the treatment of psoriasis. The FDA is reviewing the drug for the same indiciation.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself. The most obvious physical symptom of the condition is raised, inflamed, scaly, red skin lesions known as plaques, which may crack and bleed. Psoriasis is more than painful skin lesions; data also suggest an association with other health conditions, including psoriatic arthritis.