Washington, D.C.- A new experimental drug from Johnson and Johnson is effective at preventing psoriasis in patients but it may lead to cancer with extended usage according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The new drug is called Ustekinumab, and it has been examined by the FDA for safety as part of its drug trials.
In a new report the FDA says that the drug is effective in preventing Psoriasis but that its long-term use can lead to tumor development and cancer among patients who use it.
The report was issued as part of an overall drug analysis prepared by an FDA advisory panel that will meet again next week to discuss the drug and its issues.
A spokesman for the drug manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson said that the entire risk of cancer by using the drug was theoretical, and only has occurred in theory.
The FDA will submit the drug to an outside panel of advisors to see if noting increased risks on the label for the product would be acceptable or if complete banning for the drug is necessary.
Two manufacturer company sponsored drug trials for the Ustekinumab injections were shown to be very effective at reducing the severity of psoriasis in patients stricken with the condition.