Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) for psoriasis: a two-center, prospective, open-label clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immune suppressant that selectively inhibits activated lymphocytes. Its usefulness in treating psoriasis has not been systematically investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of MMF as a monotherapy for psoriasis.

METHODS

This is a two-center, prospective, open-label clinical trial.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with moderate to severe psoriasis [mean psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of 21.7] were treated with MMF 2-3 g/day for 12 weeks. Eighteen patients completed the study. The PASI was reduced by 24% (p < 0.001) at 6 weeks, and by 47% (p < 0.001) at 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment phase, 77% of the patients had significant reduction of PASI while 22% did not respond. The treatment was well tolerated. Five patients experienced mild nausea. One patient each had periorbital edema and pruritus. One patient had transient leukopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

In this noncontrolled trial, the majority of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis responded to mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy with few adverse events. A randomized, controlled trial should be considered to confirm the usefulness of MMF as a monotherapy for psoriasis.