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Study to Evaluate Safety and Effectiveness of Oral Apremilast (CC-10004) in Patients With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis.

A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Efficacy and Safety Study of Apremilast (CC-10004) in Subjects With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01232283
Acronym
ESTEEM 2
Enrollment
413
Registered
2010-11-02
Start date
2010-11-22
Completion date
2016-11-30
Last updated
2022-03-15

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Plaque Psoriasis

Brief summary

This study will evaluate the effects of an experimental (being tested) study drug called apremilast. Apremilast works by lowering some of the chemicals that affect psoriasis and therefore improves the symptoms of psoriasis. The purpose of this study is to test apremilast and compare its effects to placebo (an inactive substance which contains no medicine but is in the same form as the drug). This study will test efficacy (improvement of signs and symptoms) and safety of apremilast in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Interventions

DRUGApremilast

Apremilast 30mg by mouth (PO) twice a day (BID) for 32 weeks

DRUGPlacebo

Identically matching placebo by mouth BID for first 16 weeks. Placebo participants will be switched to receive apremilast 30 mg BID at Week 16-32.

OTHERTopical or Phototherapy Therapy

Topical therapies such as low-potency or weak corticosteroids or phototherapies such as light therapy are added for non-responders at Week 32, (\< PASI-50) and added to their treatment regimen. The decision to add these treatments during this phase can only be made at the Week 32 visit.

Sponsors

Amgen
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Males or females, ≥ 18 years of age at the time of signing the informed consent document 2. Diagnosis of chronic plaque psoriasis for at least 12 months prior to Screening a. Have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis at Screening and Baseline 3. Must meet all laboratory criteria 4. Females of childbearing potential (FCBP) must have a negative pregnancy test at Screening and Baseline. FCBP who engage in activity in which conception is possible must use 2 forms of contraception as described by the Study Doctor while on study medication and for at least 28 days after taking the last dose of study medication 5. Male subjects (including those who have had a vasectomy) who engage in activity in which conception is possible must use barrier contraception (latex condom or any nonlatex condom NOT made out of natural \[animal\] membrane \[eg, polyurethane\]) while on study medication and for a least 28 days after the last dose of study medication.

Exclusion criteria

1. Other than psoriasis, history of any clinically significant (as determined by the Investigator) or other major uncontrolled disease. 2. Pregnant or breast feeding 3. History of allergy to any component of the study drug 4. Hepatitis B surface antigen positive at Screening 5. Anti-hepatitis C antibody positive at Screening 6. Active tuberculosis (TB) or a history of incompletely treated TB 7. Clinically significant abnormality on 12-Lead ECG at Screening 8. Clinically significant abnormal chest x-ray 9. History of positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or have congenital or acquired immunodeficiency 10. Active substance abuse or a history of substance abuse within 6 months prior to Screening 11. Bacterial infections requiring treatment with oral or injectable antibiotics, or significant viral or fungal infections, within 4 weeks of Screening 12. Malignancy or history of malignancy (except for treated \[ie, cured\] basal cell or squamous cell in situ skin carcinomas and treated \[ie, cured\] cervical intraepithelial neoplasia \[CIN\] or carcinoma in situ of the cervix with no evidence of recurrence within the previous 5 years) 13. Psoriasis flare or rebound within 4 weeks prior to Screening 14. Evidence of skin conditions that would interfere with clinical assessments 15. Topical therapy within 2 weeks of randomization 16. Systemic therapy for psoriasis within 4 weeks prior to randomization 17. Use of phototherapy within 4 weeks prior to randomization (ie, UVB, PUVA) 18. Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, or certolizumab pegol within 12 weeks prior to randomization 19. Alefacept, briakinumab, or ustekinumab within 24 weeks prior to randomization 20. Use of any investigational drug within 4 weeks prior to randomization 21. Prolonged sun exposure or use of tanning booths or other ultraviolet (UV) light sources 22. Prior treatment with apremilast

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percentage of Participants Who Achieved at Least a 75% Improvement (Response) in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI-75) at Week 16 From BaselineBaseline to Week 16PASI-75 response is the percentage of participants who achieved at least a 75% reduction (improvement) from baseline in PASI score at week 16. The improvement in PASI score was used as a measure of efficacy. The PASI is a measure of psoriatic disease severity taking into account qualitative lesion characteristics (erythema, thickness, and scaling) and degree of skin surface area involvement on defined anatomical regions. PASI scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. Erythema, thickness, and scaling are scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (very severe) on 4 anatomic regions of the body: head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Degree of involvement on each of the 4 anatomic regions is scored on a scale of 0 (no involvement) to 6 (90% to 100% involvement). The PASI score was set to missing if any severity score or degree of involvement is missing.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percent Change From Baseline in the Affected Body Surface Area (BSA) at Week 16Baseline and Week 16BSA was a measurement of involved skin. The overall BSA affected by psoriasis was estimated based on the palm area of the participant's hand (entire palmar surface or handprint including the fingers), which equates to approximately 1% of total body surface area. BSA percent change from baseline (Visit 2 Week 0) was determined at each visit of the study, which is calculated as 100\*(visit BSA - baseline BSA) / baseline BSA (%).
Percent Change From Baseline in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) Score at Week 16Baseline and Week 16Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. Erythema, thickness, and scaling are scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (very severe) on 4 anatomic regions of the body: head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Degree of involvement on each of the 4 anatomic regions is scored on a scale of 0 (no involvement) to 6 (90% to 100% involvement). The total qualitative score (sum of erythema, thickness, and scaling scores) is multiplied by the degree of involvement for each anatomic region and then multiplied by a constant. These values for each anatomic region are summed to yield the PASI score. The PASI score was set to missing if any severity score or degree of involvement is missing.
Percentage of Participants Who Achieved a 50% Improvement (Response) in the PASI Score (PASI-50) at Week 16 From BaselineBaseline and Week 16PASI-50 response is the percentage of participants who achieved at least a 50% reduction (improvement) from baseline in PASI score at Week 16. The improvement in PASI score was used as a measure of efficacy. The PASI is a measure of psoriatic disease severity taking into account qualitative lesion characteristics (erythema, thickness, and scaling) and degree of skin surface area involvement on defined anatomical regions. PASI scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. Erythema, thickness, and scaling are scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (very severe) on 4 anatomic regions of the body: head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Degree of involvement on each of the 4 anatomic regions is scored on a scale of 0 (no involvement) to 6 (90% to 100% involvement). The PASI score was set to missing if any severity score or degree of involvement is missing.
Change From Baseline in Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score at Week 16Baseline and Week 16The Pruritus Visual Analog Scores (VAS) were used to measure the amount of itching and discomfort a participant experiences. Participant's Assessment of Pruritus (Itch) asked: On average, how much itch have you had because of your condition in the past week? All VAS values range from 0 to 100. Higher scores correspond to more severe symptom or disease. Change from baseline was calculated for the VAS scale, where change = visit value - baseline value.
Change From Baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Total Score at Week 16Baseline and Week 16DLQI is a simple, compact, and practical questionnaire for use in a dermatology clinical setting to assess limitations related to the impact of skin disease. The instrument contains ten items dealing with the participant's skin. With the exception of Item Number 7, the participant responds on a four-point scale, ranging from Very Much (score 3) to Not at All or Not relevant (score 0). Item Number 7 is a multi-part item, the first part of which ascertains whether the participant's skin prevented them from working or studying (Yes or No, scores 3 or 0 respectively), and if No, then the subject is asked how much of a problem the skin has been at work or study over the past week, with response alternatives being A lot, A little, or Not at all (scores 2, 1, or 0 respectively). The DLQI total score was derived by summing all item scores, which has a possible range of 0 to 30, with 30 corresponding to the worst quality of life, and 0 corresponding to the best.
Change From Baseline in the Mental Component Summary (MSC) Score of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36-item (SF-36) Health Survey Version 2.0 at Week 16Baseline to Week 16The SF-36 was a 36-item general health instrument and consists of 8 scales: physical function (PF), role limitations-physical (RP), vitality (VT), general health perceptions (GH), bodily pain (BP), social function (SF), role limitations-emotional (RE), and mental health (MH). Scale scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health. Two overall summary scores were obtained - a Physical Component Summary score (PCS) and a Mental Component Summary score (MCS). Scores from the 8 scales, PCS and MCS were transformed to the norm-based scores using weights from U.S. general population, with 50 as the average and 10 as the standard deviation, higher scores indicating better health. For norm based scores, change from baseline were calculated for the 8 scales and the two summary scales, where change = visit value - baseline value.
Percentage of Participants Who Achieved a Static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction From BaselineBaseline to Week 16The sPGA was a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (clear), 1 (almost clear), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), to 4 (severe), incorporating an assessment of the severity of the three primary signs of the disease: erythema, scaling and plaque elevation. When making the assessment of overall severity, the Investigator must have factored in areas that have already been cleared (ie, have scores of 0) and not just evaluate remaining lesions for severity, ie, the severity of each sign was averaged across all areas of involvement, including cleared lesions. In the event of different severities across disease signs, the sign that is the predominant feature of the disease should be used to help determine the sPGA score.
Time to Loss of Effect (Loss of 50% Improvement in PASI Score Obtained at Week 32 Compared to Baseline) During the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal PhaseWeeks 32 to Week 52Time to loss was the time between the re-randomization date and the date of the first assessment with loss of 50% PASI improvement (event), or the time between the re-randomization date and the date of the last PASI assessment in the randomized withdrawal phase prior to addition of topical/phototherapy or other effective psoriasis therapies, or resumption of apremilast 30 mg BID, or discontinuation, or Week 52 if no loss (censored), whichever was earlier
Number of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseBaseline to Week 16An AE was any noxious, unintended, or untoward medical occurrence, that may appear or worsen in a participant during the course of study. It may be a new intercurrent illness, a worsening concomitant illness, an injury, or any concomitant impairment of the participant's health, including laboratory test values regardless of etiology. Any worsening (ie, any clinically significant adverse change in the frequency or intensity of a preexisting condition) was considered an AE. A serious AE (SAE) is any untoward adverse event that is fatal, life-threatening, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, requires or prolongs existing in-patient hospitalization, is a congenital anomaly/birth defect, or is a condition that may jeopardize the patient or may require intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed above. An AE is a treatment emergent AE if the AE start date is on or after the date of the first dose of study drug and no later than 28 days after the last dose.
Number of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled PhaseWeek 0 to Week 16Psoriasis flare was defined as a sudden intensification of psoriasis requiring medical intervention, or a diagnosis of new generalized erythrodermic, inflammatory, or pustular psoriasis. Rebound is defined as a severe and sudden worsening of disease that occurs after treatment has been discontinued. Note categories below. \[1\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis) started on or after the first dose date and on or before the last dose date within the phase. \[2\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis, Rebound psoriasis) started after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase. \[3\] PASI \>= 125% of baseline score at any visit after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase and were not included in \[1\] and/or \[2\].
Number of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Week 0 to Week 260; The mean duration of exposure was 100.66 weeks.The Apremilast-exposure Period started on the date of the first dose of apremilast (Week 0 for participants originally randomized to apremilast or Week 16 for participants originally randomized to placebo) to the last dose of apremilast. Adverse events that started after 28 days of initiating placebo and before resuming apremilast treatment in the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Weeks 32 to 52) were excluded in the Apremilast-exposure phase. A serious AE (SAE) is any untoward adverse event that is fatal, life-threatening, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, requires or prolongs existing in-patient hospitalization, is a congenital anomaly or birth defect, or a condition that may jeopardize the patient or may require intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed above. An AE is a treatment emergent AE if the AE start date is on or after the date of the first dose of study drug and no later than 28 days after the last dose.
Number of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Apremilast-Exposure PeriodWeek 0 to Week 260Psoriasis flare was defined as a sudden intensification of psoriasis requiring medical intervention, or a diagnosis of new generalized erythrodermic, inflammatory, or pustular psoriasis. Rebound is defined as a severe and sudden worsening of disease that occurs after treatment has been discontinued. Note categories below. \[1\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis) started on or after the first dose date and on or before the last dose date within the phase. \[2\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis, Rebound psoriasis) started after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase. \[3\] PASI \>= 125% of baseline score at any visit after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase and were not included in \[1\] and/or \[2\].
Percentage of Participants Who Achieved Both a 75% Improvement (Response) in the PASI and sPGA Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction at Week 16 From BaselineBaseline to Week 16PASI-75 response is the percentage of participants who achieved at least a 75% reduction (improvement) from baseline in PASI score at Week 16. The improvement in PASI score was used as a measure of efficacy. See Outcome measure #1 for further description. sPGA is a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (clear), 1 (almost clear), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), to 4 (severe), incorporating an assessment of the severity of the three primary signs of the disease: erythema, scaling and plaque elevation. See Outcome Measure #2 for further description.

Countries

Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

The study was conducted at 46 study centers in 9 countries.

Pre-assignment details

Participants were eligible who had moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Apremilast
Participants were initially randomized to Apremilast (APR) 30 mg tablets BID during the Placebo-controlled Phase (weeks 0-16)
274
Placebo
Participants were initially randomized to placebo tablets BID during the Placebo controlled Phase (weeks 0-16).
137
Total411

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002FG003FG004FG005FG006FG007FG008FG009
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Adverse Event00000000116
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Death0000000010
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Lack of Efficacy000000004630
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Lost to Follow-up0000000096
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Miscellaneous0000000073
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Non-compliance0000000032
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Protocol Violation0000000010
Long-Term Extension Phase (Weeks 52-260)Withdrawal by Subject000000003014
Maintenance Phase (Weeks16-32)Adverse Event0082000000
Maintenance Phase (Weeks16-32)Lack of Efficacy00193000000
Maintenance Phase (Weeks16-32)Lost to Follow-up0032000000
Maintenance Phase (Weeks16-32)Non-compliance with study drug0010000000
Maintenance Phase (Weeks16-32)Other0020000000
Maintenance Phase (Weeks16-32)Withdrawal by Subject0071000000
Placebo Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-16)Adverse Event12800000000
Placebo Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-16)Lack of Efficacy3200000000
Placebo Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-16)Lost to Follow-up6600000000
Placebo Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-16)Noncompliance with study drug1000000000
Placebo Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-16)Other2100000000
Placebo Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-16)Protocol Violation3200000000
Placebo Controlled Phase (Weeks 0-16)Withdrawal by Subject9700000000
Randomized Withdrawal Phase(Weeks 32-52)Adverse Event0000210100
Randomized Withdrawal Phase(Weeks 32-52)Death0000100000
Randomized Withdrawal Phase(Weeks 32-52)Lack of Efficacy00004013500
Randomized Withdrawal Phase(Weeks 32-52)Lost to Follow-up0000201100
Randomized Withdrawal Phase(Weeks 32-52)Other0000010000
Randomized Withdrawal Phase(Weeks 32-52)Protocol Violation0000000100
Randomized Withdrawal Phase(Weeks 32-52)Withdrawal by Subject0000333400

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicApremilastPlaceboTotal
Age, Continuous45.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.05
45.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.38
45.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.15
Duration of Plaque Psoriasis17.94 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.367
18.68 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.088
18.19 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.602
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 participants1 participants2 participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
8 participants6 participants14 participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Black or African American
13 participants2 participants15 participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
1 participants0 participants1 participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other-not specified
1 participants0 participants1 participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
250 participants128 participants378 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
98 Participants37 Participants135 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
176 Participants100 Participants276 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
38 / 136128 / 27217 / 62234 / 380
serious
Total, serious adverse events
3 / 1365 / 2722 / 6244 / 380

Outcome results

Primary

Percentage of Participants Who Achieved at Least a 75% Improvement (Response) in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI-75) at Week 16 From Baseline

PASI-75 response is the percentage of participants who achieved at least a 75% reduction (improvement) from baseline in PASI score at week 16. The improvement in PASI score was used as a measure of efficacy. The PASI is a measure of psoriatic disease severity taking into account qualitative lesion characteristics (erythema, thickness, and scaling) and degree of skin surface area involvement on defined anatomical regions. PASI scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. Erythema, thickness, and scaling are scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (very severe) on 4 anatomic regions of the body: head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Degree of involvement on each of the 4 anatomic regions is scored on a scale of 0 (no involvement) to 6 (90% to 100% involvement). The PASI score was set to missing if any severity score or degree of involvement is missing.

Time frame: Baseline to Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward (LOCF) imputation was used. .

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastPercentage of Participants Who Achieved at Least a 75% Improvement (Response) in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI-75) at Week 16 From Baseline28.8 percentage of participants
PlaceboPercentage of Participants Who Achieved at Least a 75% Improvement (Response) in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI-75) at Week 16 From Baseline5.8 percentage of participants
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [16.3, 29.6]Chi-squared
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Total Score at Week 16

DLQI is a simple, compact, and practical questionnaire for use in a dermatology clinical setting to assess limitations related to the impact of skin disease. The instrument contains ten items dealing with the participant's skin. With the exception of Item Number 7, the participant responds on a four-point scale, ranging from Very Much (score 3) to Not at All or Not relevant (score 0). Item Number 7 is a multi-part item, the first part of which ascertains whether the participant's skin prevented them from working or studying (Yes or No, scores 3 or 0 respectively), and if No, then the subject is asked how much of a problem the skin has been at work or study over the past week, with response alternatives being A lot, A little, or Not at all (scores 2, 1, or 0 respectively). The DLQI total score was derived by summing all item scores, which has a possible range of 0 to 30, with 30 corresponding to the worst quality of life, and 0 corresponding to the best.

Time frame: Baseline and Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward imputation was used. Participants with a baseline value and at least 1 postbaseline value are included

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
ApremilastChange From Baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Total Score at Week 16-6.7 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.37
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Total Score at Week 16-2.7 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.53
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [-5.3, -2.8]ANCOVA
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score at Week 16

The Pruritus Visual Analog Scores (VAS) were used to measure the amount of itching and discomfort a participant experiences. Participant's Assessment of Pruritus (Itch) asked: On average, how much itch have you had because of your condition in the past week? All VAS values range from 0 to 100. Higher scores correspond to more severe symptom or disease. Change from baseline was calculated for the VAS scale, where change = visit value - baseline value.

Time frame: Baseline and Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward imputation was used. Participants with a baseline value and at least 1 postbaseline value are included.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
ApremilastChange From Baseline in Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score at Week 16-33.5 units on a scaleStandard Error 2.08
PlaceboChange From Baseline in Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score at Week 16-12.2 units on a scaleStandard Error 2.95
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [-28.4, -14.2]ANCOVA
Secondary

Change From Baseline in the Mental Component Summary (MSC) Score of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36-item (SF-36) Health Survey Version 2.0 at Week 16

The SF-36 was a 36-item general health instrument and consists of 8 scales: physical function (PF), role limitations-physical (RP), vitality (VT), general health perceptions (GH), bodily pain (BP), social function (SF), role limitations-emotional (RE), and mental health (MH). Scale scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health. Two overall summary scores were obtained - a Physical Component Summary score (PCS) and a Mental Component Summary score (MCS). Scores from the 8 scales, PCS and MCS were transformed to the norm-based scores using weights from U.S. general population, with 50 as the average and 10 as the standard deviation, higher scores indicating better health. For norm based scores, change from baseline were calculated for the 8 scales and the two summary scales, where change = visit value - baseline value.

Time frame: Baseline to Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward imputation was used. Participants with a baseline value and at least 1 postbaseline value are included.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
ApremilastChange From Baseline in the Mental Component Summary (MSC) Score of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36-item (SF-36) Health Survey Version 2.0 at Week 162.60 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.563
PlaceboChange From Baseline in the Mental Component Summary (MSC) Score of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36-item (SF-36) Health Survey Version 2.0 at Week 16-0.03 units on a scaleStandard Error 0.804
p-value: 0.007895% CI: [0.69, 4.56]ANCOVA
Secondary

Number of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Apremilast-Exposure Period

Psoriasis flare was defined as a sudden intensification of psoriasis requiring medical intervention, or a diagnosis of new generalized erythrodermic, inflammatory, or pustular psoriasis. Rebound is defined as a severe and sudden worsening of disease that occurs after treatment has been discontinued. Note categories below. \[1\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis) started on or after the first dose date and on or before the last dose date within the phase. \[2\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis, Rebound psoriasis) started after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase. \[3\] PASI \>= 125% of baseline score at any visit after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase and were not included in \[1\] and/or \[2\].

Time frame: Week 0 to Week 260

Population: The apremilast subjects as treated population, which includes all participants who were randomized to (at Week 0) or treated with (at Week 16) apremilast 30 mg BID, and received at least one dose of apremilast after randomization or Week 16.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Apremilast-Exposure PeriodParticipants with any psoriasis flare25 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Apremilast-Exposure PeriodParticipants with any psoriasis rebound11 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Apremilast-Exposure PeriodPASI ≥ 125% of Baseline score after last dose12 participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled Phase

Psoriasis flare was defined as a sudden intensification of psoriasis requiring medical intervention, or a diagnosis of new generalized erythrodermic, inflammatory, or pustular psoriasis. Rebound is defined as a severe and sudden worsening of disease that occurs after treatment has been discontinued. Note categories below. \[1\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis) started on or after the first dose date and on or before the last dose date within the phase. \[2\] Psoriasis adverse events (ie, preferred term as Guttate psoriasis, Psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis, Rebound psoriasis) started after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase. \[3\] PASI \>= 125% of baseline score at any visit after the last dose date for participants who discontinued within the phase and were not included in \[1\] and/or \[2\].

Time frame: Week 0 to Week 16

Population: Safety population, included all participants who were randomized and received at least one dose of IP. Participants with a PASI ≥ 125% of Baseline score after last dose who did not have psoriasis rebound captured as a Treatment Emergent Adverse Event.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled PhaseParticipants with any psoriasis flare3 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled PhaseParticipants with any psoriasis rebound1 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled PhasePASI ≥ 125% of Baseline score after last dose1 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled PhaseParticipants with any psoriasis flare7 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled PhaseParticipants with any psoriasis rebound0 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Psoriasis Flare or Rebound in the Placebo Controlled PhasePASI ≥ 125% of Baseline score after last dose2 participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260

The Apremilast-exposure Period started on the date of the first dose of apremilast (Week 0 for participants originally randomized to apremilast or Week 16 for participants originally randomized to placebo) to the last dose of apremilast. Adverse events that started after 28 days of initiating placebo and before resuming apremilast treatment in the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase (Weeks 32 to 52) were excluded in the Apremilast-exposure phase. A serious AE (SAE) is any untoward adverse event that is fatal, life-threatening, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, requires or prolongs existing in-patient hospitalization, is a congenital anomaly or birth defect, or a condition that may jeopardize the patient or may require intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed above. An AE is a treatment emergent AE if the AE start date is on or after the date of the first dose of study drug and no later than 28 days after the last dose.

Time frame: Week 0 to Week 260; The mean duration of exposure was 100.66 weeks.

Population: Apremilast participants as treated, which includes all participants who were randomized to (at Week 0) or treated with (at Week 16) apremilast 30 mg BID, and received at least one dose of apremilast after randomization or Week 16.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any TEAE316 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any Drug-Related TEAE165 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any Severe TEAE58 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any Serious TEAE44 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any Serious Drug-Related TEAE8 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any TEAE Leading to Drug Interruption56 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any TEAE Leading to Drug Withdrawal45 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With TEAEs During the Apremilast-Exposure Period Through Week 260Any TEAE Leading to Death1 participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled Phase

An AE was any noxious, unintended, or untoward medical occurrence, that may appear or worsen in a participant during the course of study. It may be a new intercurrent illness, a worsening concomitant illness, an injury, or any concomitant impairment of the participant's health, including laboratory test values regardless of etiology. Any worsening (ie, any clinically significant adverse change in the frequency or intensity of a preexisting condition) was considered an AE. A serious AE (SAE) is any untoward adverse event that is fatal, life-threatening, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, requires or prolongs existing in-patient hospitalization, is a congenital anomaly/birth defect, or is a condition that may jeopardize the patient or may require intervention to prevent one of the outcomes listed above. An AE is a treatment emergent AE if the AE start date is on or after the date of the first dose of study drug and no later than 28 days after the last dose.

Time frame: Baseline to Week 16

Population: Safety population consisted of all participants who were randomized and received at least one dose of Investigational Product (IP)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny TEAE185 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny drug related TEAE106 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny Severe TEAE12 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny Serious TEAE5 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny TEAE leading to drug interruption16 participants
ApremilastNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny TEAE leading to drug withdrawal15 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny TEAE leading to drug interruption4 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny TEAE82 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny Serious TEAE3 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny drug related TEAE29 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny TEAE leading to drug withdrawal7 participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) in the Placebo Controlled PhaseAny Severe TEAE6 participants
Secondary

Percentage of Participants Who Achieved a 50% Improvement (Response) in the PASI Score (PASI-50) at Week 16 From Baseline

PASI-50 response is the percentage of participants who achieved at least a 50% reduction (improvement) from baseline in PASI score at Week 16. The improvement in PASI score was used as a measure of efficacy. The PASI is a measure of psoriatic disease severity taking into account qualitative lesion characteristics (erythema, thickness, and scaling) and degree of skin surface area involvement on defined anatomical regions. PASI scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. Erythema, thickness, and scaling are scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (very severe) on 4 anatomic regions of the body: head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Degree of involvement on each of the 4 anatomic regions is scored on a scale of 0 (no involvement) to 6 (90% to 100% involvement). The PASI score was set to missing if any severity score or degree of involvement is missing.

Time frame: Baseline and Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward imputation was used.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastPercentage of Participants Who Achieved a 50% Improvement (Response) in the PASI Score (PASI-50) at Week 16 From Baseline55.5 Percentage of Participants
PlaceboPercentage of Participants Who Achieved a 50% Improvement (Response) in the PASI Score (PASI-50) at Week 16 From Baseline19.7 Percentage of Participants
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [26.9, 44.7]Chi-squared
Secondary

Percentage of Participants Who Achieved a Static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction From Baseline

The sPGA was a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (clear), 1 (almost clear), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), to 4 (severe), incorporating an assessment of the severity of the three primary signs of the disease: erythema, scaling and plaque elevation. When making the assessment of overall severity, the Investigator must have factored in areas that have already been cleared (ie, have scores of 0) and not just evaluate remaining lesions for severity, ie, the severity of each sign was averaged across all areas of involvement, including cleared lesions. In the event of different severities across disease signs, the sign that is the predominant feature of the disease should be used to help determine the sPGA score.

Time frame: Baseline to Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward imputation was used.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastPercentage of Participants Who Achieved a Static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction From Baseline20.4 percentage of participants
PlaceboPercentage of Participants Who Achieved a Static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction From Baseline4.4 percentage of participants
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [10.2, 21.9]Chi-squared
Secondary

Percentage of Participants Who Achieved Both a 75% Improvement (Response) in the PASI and sPGA Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction at Week 16 From Baseline

PASI-75 response is the percentage of participants who achieved at least a 75% reduction (improvement) from baseline in PASI score at Week 16. The improvement in PASI score was used as a measure of efficacy. See Outcome measure #1 for further description. sPGA is a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (clear), 1 (almost clear), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), to 4 (severe), incorporating an assessment of the severity of the three primary signs of the disease: erythema, scaling and plaque elevation. See Outcome Measure #2 for further description.

Time frame: Baseline to Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward imputation was used.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
ApremilastPercentage of Participants Who Achieved Both a 75% Improvement (Response) in the PASI and sPGA Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction at Week 16 From Baseline18.6 percentage of participants
PlaceboPercentage of Participants Who Achieved Both a 75% Improvement (Response) in the PASI and sPGA Score of Clear (0) or Almost Clear (1) With at Least 2 Points Reduction at Week 16 From Baseline4.4 percentage of participants
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [8.5, 20]Chi-squared
Secondary

Percent Change From Baseline in the Affected Body Surface Area (BSA) at Week 16

BSA was a measurement of involved skin. The overall BSA affected by psoriasis was estimated based on the palm area of the participant's hand (entire palmar surface or handprint including the fingers), which equates to approximately 1% of total body surface area. BSA percent change from baseline (Visit 2 Week 0) was determined at each visit of the study, which is calculated as 100\*(visit BSA - baseline BSA) / baseline BSA (%).

Time frame: Baseline and Week 16

Population: The Full Analysis Set (FAS) consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Participants with a baseline value and at least 1 postbaseline value were included. Last observation carried forward imputation was used.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
ApremilastPercent Change From Baseline in the Affected Body Surface Area (BSA) at Week 16-48.40 percent changeStandard Error 2.636
PlaceboPercent Change From Baseline in the Affected Body Surface Area (BSA) at Week 16-6.25 percent changeStandard Error 3.71
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [-51.11, -33.2]ANCOVA
Secondary

Percent Change From Baseline in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) Score at Week 16

Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. Erythema, thickness, and scaling are scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (very severe) on 4 anatomic regions of the body: head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Degree of involvement on each of the 4 anatomic regions is scored on a scale of 0 (no involvement) to 6 (90% to 100% involvement). The total qualitative score (sum of erythema, thickness, and scaling scores) is multiplied by the degree of involvement for each anatomic region and then multiplied by a constant. These values for each anatomic region are summed to yield the PASI score. The PASI score was set to missing if any severity score or degree of involvement is missing.

Time frame: Baseline and Week 16

Population: FAS consisted of all participants who were randomized per protocol. Participants were included in the treatment group to which they were randomized APR 30 BID or placebo for the FAS. Last observation carried forward (LOCF) imputation was used. Participants with a baseline value and at least 1 postbaseline value are included.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
ApremilastPercent Change From Baseline in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) Score at Week 16-50.8 percent changeStandard Error 2.23
PlaceboPercent Change From Baseline in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) Score at Week 16-16.0 percent changeStandard Error 3.15
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [-42.4, -27.2]ANCOVA
Secondary

Time to Loss of Effect (Loss of 50% Improvement in PASI Score Obtained at Week 32 Compared to Baseline) During the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase

Time to loss was the time between the re-randomization date and the date of the first assessment with loss of 50% PASI improvement (event), or the time between the re-randomization date and the date of the last PASI assessment in the randomized withdrawal phase prior to addition of topical/phototherapy or other effective psoriasis therapies, or resumption of apremilast 30 mg BID, or discontinuation, or Week 52 if no loss (censored), whichever was earlier

Time frame: Weeks 32 to Week 52

Population: Analysis population consisted of participants who were re-randomized to placebo or Apremilast 30mg BID at Week 32.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
ApremilastTime to Loss of Effect (Loss of 50% Improvement in PASI Score Obtained at Week 32 Compared to Baseline) During the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase12.4 Weeks
PlaceboTime to Loss of Effect (Loss of 50% Improvement in PASI Score Obtained at Week 32 Compared to Baseline) During the Randomized Treatment Withdrawal Phase21.9 Weeks
p-value: <0.000195% CI: [3.408, 17.399]Log Rank

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Mar 11, 2026