Celgene's Otezla approved to treat plaque psoriasis

SUMMIT, N.J. — Celgene Corp. earlier this week announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved Otezla (apremilast) for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The drug is the first and only PDE4 inhibitor approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, according to the company. Otezla was approved on March 21, 2014 by the FDA for treatment of active psoriatic arthritis. 

 

“Otezla offers an important new treatment option for patients whose symptoms are not adequately improving with their current treatments. In clinical trials, Otezla reduced redness, thickness and scaliness of plaques in patients with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis,” said Dr. M. Shane Chapman, section chief of dermatology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. “Because the product labeling does not require routine laboratory monitoring, oral Otezla may be a welcome new option for patients and physicians looking for a different treatment experience.”

 

Otezla is available in the United States and is dispensed through a network of specialty pharmacies.