Clinical Trial Name - A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of CNTO 1275 Compared to Etanercept for the Treatment of M

The purpose of this research study is to compare the effects (good and/or bad) of CNTO 1275 or etanercept on moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

The purpose of this research study is to compare the effects (good and/or bad) of CNTO 1275 with etanercept on moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Approximately 650 patients will take part in this study. Etanercept is currently approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and sold under the name Etanercept. Patients will be randomly placed into one of three treatments groups receiving subcutaneous injections (under the skin) in the following treatment groups: Group 1 - CNTO 1275 45 mg dosing at weeks 0 and 4, Group 2 - CNTO 1275 90 mg dosing at weeks 0 and 4, Group 3 - Etanercept 50 mg two times per week through week 12. Patients will be in the study for up to 64 weeks (approximately 16 months). The primary outcome of this trial will be measured by the proportion of patients who achieve a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response at Week 12. Patients will receive 2 subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of CNTO 1275 (either 45 or 90 mg doses) or twice weekly injections of etanercept during the first twelve weeks of the study. Patients may receive two additional doses of CNTO 1275 (either 45 or 90 mg doses) up to week 44.