Results from a Phase Two study of apremilast (CC-10004) in psoriasis patients showed promise in terms of both safety and effectiveness at 12 weeks.
When treated with a 20 mg dose of the drug, taken orally twice a day, 24% of patients in the study achieved a 75% improvement in psoriasis symptoms, compared with 10% receiving a placebo. The treatment was also well-tolerated. While that improvement rate (14% better than placebo) is not impressive compared to numerous existing psoriasis treatments, it is statistically significant and has encouraged the company to try a 30 mg dose for up to six months. Also, some psoriasis patients may prefer taking pills to injections or UV treatments.
Apremilast, according to Celgene Corp., the company developing it, is a small molescule “with anti-inflammatory activities that impedes the production of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators by inhibiting PDE4 resulting in reductions in TNF-alpha as well as interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-17 and IL23, interferon-gamma, leukotrienes, and nitric oxide synthase.” (Several of the currently available biologics inhibit TNF-alpha and an IL23 inhibitor is coming before the FDA later this year.)
While apremilast is at least several years away from reaching the market (if at all), it’s good news to have additional treatment strategies and methods in the pipeline.
[More information: psoriasis clinical trials.]
Category: Uncategorized
