Stopping Psoriasis

Jennifer Matthews: Mark Bishop loves the outdoors. But for the last 15 years, he'd only wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. Mark Bishop: It gives you an awful appearance. Jennifer Matthews: Mark has psoriasis, a skin condition that creates red patchy, scales over 60% of his body. He's tried countless treatments, but nothing helped. Dr. Boni Elewski: It's really an emotionally disfiguring disease, very, very emotionally scarring." Jennifer Matthews: Dermatologist Boni Elewski says a new class of drugs called biologics offers hope to patients. Remicade is one of those drugs. Dr. Boni Elewski: Patients who get this drug clear up so quick that I've never seen anything like this before." Jennifer Matthews: Initial treatment consists of three, 3-hour infusions of the drug. Dr. Boni Elewski: I'm very exited about being a physician now because we really can offer hope to these patients suffering with this disease." Jennifer Matthews: Mark received Remicade as part of a study last summer. His entire body cleared up. Mark Bishop: Being a big old boy like I am, I was even proud to wear shorts and get out where people could see me in them. Jennifer Matthews: Mark's psoriasis returned while he was waiting for his insurance to cover the treatment. Now, he's ready to start the infusions again and say goodbye to his disease once and for all. This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.