Etanercept as monotherapy in patients with psoriasis

The drug Enbrel may be effective in treating severe psoriasis, according to a study of 652 patients. The drug was given as a subcutaneous injection once a week for up to six months. Between 25% and 59% of the patients had a 75% or greater improvement in symptoms, depending on the dose. Enbrel blocks the activity of tumor necrosis factor, which is believed to cause some of the symptoms of psoriasis.