The Association welcomes�developments in the�field�of psoriasis treatments which are effective, safe and have minimal side-effects in the long term

Gladys Edwards, of the Psoriasis Association

Infliximab is designed to block tumour necrosis factor (TNF), an inflammatory agent that causes the immune system to attack the body's organs.

The study published in The Lancet looked at 33 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

The patients were given either a placebo or differing doses of the infliximab and then re-tested 10 weeks later.

Twenty of the 22 patients on infliximab reported good or excellent results and the larger the dose they were given the more effective the treatment.

None of those taking the treatment suffered from any of the serious side-effects normally associated with psoriasis treatments.

There have in the past been concerns that infliximab (Remicade) might be linked to the onset or reactivation of potentially life-threatening TB in treated patients, mostly in countries with a high incidence of TB.

The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products issued a statement on the drug last year and said people taking it should be aware of the risk of developing infections after starting therapy and warned that it should be withheld if the person was showing active signs of TB.

But they stressed that despite this the drug remained useful for the treatment of Crohn's and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ciclosporin, which is often used to treat psoriasis, is an immune suppressant which can have toxic effects on the kidneys.

Further studies

Author Alice Gottlieb, of the Robert Woods Johnson Medical School, New Jersey, said early results were promising.

"Further studies are required in this target population to firmly establish the safety and efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, especially for the long-term treatment of this chronic disease."

Gladys Edwards, chief executive of the Psoriasis Association, said the breakthrough gave hope to sufferers.

"The Association welcomes�developments in the�field�of psoriasis treatments which are effective, safe and have minimal side-effects in the long term."

She added: "The results to date on the use of infliximab for psoriasis are most encouraging and exciting and we look forward to the results of longer term clinical trials."