Apremilast — an Oral Agent — Is Effective for Plaque Psoriasis

This small molecule was as effective as some biologics.

Apremilast is an orally administered small-molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4. Phosphodiesterase 4 is an intracellular enzyme involved in the degradation of cAMP; it is the predominant enzyme expressed in immune system cells as well as in keratinocytes. In vitro studies of apremilast have demonstrated that it results in decreased production of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukins 2, 12, and 23, and c-x-c motif chemokine 10, by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and decreased production of TNF-α by natural killer T cells and keratinocytes. Investigators conducted a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, manufacturer-sponsored study of the efficacy and safety of several do…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)