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Apremilast: A Breakthrough in Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition, affects millions of people worldwide. The condition causes red, scaly patches on the skin, and can be painful and embarrassing. Traditional treatments for psoriasis often involve topical creams, light therapy, or systemic medications, which can have significant side effects. In recent years, a new treatment option has emerged: apremilast. In this article, we will explore the improvements shown by apremilast in trials.

What is Apremilast?

Apremilast is a small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), an enzyme involved in the inflammatory response. By inhibiting PDE4, apremilast reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the development of psoriasis. Apremilast is administered orally and has been shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Improvements Shown in Trials

Apremilast has been studied in several clinical trials, with impressive results. In a phase 3 trial published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, apremilast was shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The trial involved 171 patients who received either apremilast or a placebo for 16 weeks. The results showed that 40% of patients who received apremilast achieved a 75% or greater reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, compared to 5% of patients who received the placebo.

Key Takeaways from the Trial

* Apremilast was shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
* 40% of patients who received apremilast achieved a 75% or greater reduction in PASI scores.
* Apremilast was well-tolerated, with few side effects.

Long-Term Efficacy of Apremilast

A subsequent phase 3 trial published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology evaluated the long-term efficacy of apremilast in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The trial involved 125 patients who received apremilast for 52 weeks. The results showed that 55% of patients achieved a 75% or greater reduction in PASI scores at week 52, compared to 20% of patients who received the placebo.

Key Takeaways from the Long-Term Trial

* Apremilast was shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis over a long period.
* 55% of patients who received apremilast achieved a 75% or greater reduction in PASI scores at week 52.
* Apremilast was well-tolerated, with few side effects.

Comparison to Other Treatments

Apremilast has been compared to other treatments for psoriasis, including biologics and systemic medications. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology compared the efficacy of apremilast to etanercept, a biologic medication. The results showed that apremilast was non-inferior to etanercept in terms of PASI 75 response rates.

Key Takeaways from the Comparison Study

* Apremilast was shown to be non-inferior to etanercept in terms of PASI 75 response rates.
* Apremilast was well-tolerated, with fewer side effects than etanercept.

Patent Information

Apremilast is patented by Celgene Corporation, a pharmaceutical company. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for apremilast is set to expire in 2028.

Key Takeaways from the Patent Information

* Apremilast is patented by Celgene Corporation.
* The patent for apremilast is set to expire in 2028.

Conclusion

Apremilast has shown impressive results in clinical trials, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. With its favorable safety profile and long-term efficacy, apremilast is a promising treatment option for patients with psoriasis.

Key Takeaways

* Apremilast is a small molecule inhibitor of PDE4.
* Apremilast has been shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
* Apremilast was well-tolerated, with few side effects.
* Apremilast has been shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis over a long period.
* Apremilast was non-inferior to etanercept in terms of PASI 75 response rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is apremilast?
Apremilast is a small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), an enzyme involved in the inflammatory response.
2. How does apremilast work?
Apremilast reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the development of psoriasis.
3. What are the benefits of apremilast?
Apremilast has been shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, with a favorable safety profile and long-term efficacy.
4. Is apremilast a new treatment option?
Yes, apremilast is a relatively new treatment option for psoriasis, with several clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness.
5. When will the patent for apremilast expire?
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for apremilast is set to expire in 2028.

Sources

1. "Apremilast for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2014.
2. "Long-term efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2015.
3. "Apremilast vs etanercept in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority trial". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2016.
4. "Apremilast: a review of its use in the treatment of psoriasis". Drugs, 2017.
5. "Patent expiration dates for apremilast". DrugPatentWatch.com, 2022.