Takeaway
- Apremilast is associated with clinical efficacy in patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis, according to results from a phase 3 trial.
Why this matters
- This patient population needs effective, well-tolerated systemic therapies.
Key results
- Apremilast was associated with higher response rates for:
- Scalp Physician Global Assessment (score clear/almost clear): 43.3% vs 13.7%.
- Scalp Itch numerical rating scale (NRS), ≥4-point improvement: 47.1% vs 21.1%.
- Whole Body Itch NRS: 45.5% vs 22.5%.
- All P<.0001 compared with placebo.>
- Apremilast also was associated with greater mean improvement in Dermatology Life Quality Index (−6.7 vs −3.8; P<.0001 compared with placebo.>
- The most common adverse events in patients who received apremilast were diarrhea (30.5%), nausea (21.5%), headache (12.0%), and vomiting (5.5%).
Study design
- 303 patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis were randomly assigned to receive apremilast (n=201) or placebo (n=102), with efficacy and safety outcomes assessed at 16 weeks.
- Funding: Celgene Corporation.
Limitations
- Short trial duration.
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