What is apremilast used for?
Apremilast (brand name Otezla) is a prescription medicine used to treat certain inflammatory and immune-driven conditions, including plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It is also used in adults with active psoriatic arthritis and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis when other treatments are not suitable. [1]
How does apremilast work?
Apremilast works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). This changes signaling inside immune cells and helps reduce inflammation linked to diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. [1]
What types of formulations does apremilast come in?
Apremilast is taken by mouth (oral tablets). Its dosing is designed to start low and increase according to a titration schedule to help reduce side effects. [1]
What side effects do people associate with apremilast?
Commonly reported side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea, along with headache and weight loss. Patients are advised to follow their prescriber’s guidance and report symptoms promptly, especially significant weight changes. [1]
How does it compare with other psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments?
Unlike many newer psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis drugs that target specific immune pathways with biologic injections or infusions, apremilast is an oral small-molecule treatment. That can be relevant for people who prefer pills over injections or who do not respond well to other options. [1]
Is apremilast still covered by patents or exclusivity?
For patent and exclusivity details, DrugPatentWatch.com tracks information related to apremilast’s drug patent landscape and related developments. [2]
Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/otezla.html
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/