Efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis: Results of a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Publication Title

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis may have substantial quality-of-life impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate apremilast 30 mg twice daily for mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

METHODS: Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults with mild-to-moderate psoriasis inadequately controlled or intolerant to ≥ 1 topical psoriasis therapy (NCT03721172). The primary endpoint was the achievement of static Physician Global Assessment score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) and ≥ 2-point reduction at week 16.

RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-five patients were randomized (apremilast: 297; placebo: 298). The primary endpoint was met, with a significantly greater static Physician Global Assessment response rate observed at week 16 in the apremilast group compared with the placebo group (21.6% vs 4.1%; P < .0001). All secondary endpoints were met with the achievement of body surface area-75 (33.0% vs 7.4%), body surface area ≤ 3% (61.0% vs 22.9%), ≥ 4-point reduction in Whole Body Itch Numeric Rating Scale (43.2% vs 18.6%), Scalp Physician Global Assessment 0 or 1 and ≥ 2-point reduction (44.0% vs 16.6 %), and changes from baseline in body surface area, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (all P < .0001). The most commonly reported adverse events (≥ 5%) with apremilast were diarrhea, headache, nausea, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection, consistent with prior studies.

LIMITATIONS: The study lacked an active-comparator arm.

CONCLUSION: Apremilast demonstrated efficacy in mild-to-moderate psoriasis and safety consistent with the established safety profile of apremilast.

PubMed ID

34343599

Volume

86

Issue

1

First Page

77

Last Page

85

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