We evaluated the efficacy and safety of apremilast in palmoplantar psoriasis.
A post hoc analysis of data pooled from phase IIb (PSOR-005) and phase III (Efficacy and Safety Trial Evaluating the Effects of Apremilast in Psoriasis [ESTEEM] 1 and 2) clinical studies was conducted to determine the effect of apremilast 30 mg twice daily versus placebo at week 16 in a subset of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with active palmoplantar psoriasis (baseline Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment [PPPGA] score ≥1).
Significantly more patients taking apremilast with moderate to severe palmoplantar psoriasis (baseline PPPGA score ≥3) achieved PPPGA score 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) compared with placebo at week 16 (48% vs 27%;
This post hoc analysis was limited to 16 weeks and did not assess palmoplantar pustules, lesion localization, or surface area involvement.
Apremilast may be a useful oral treatment option for patients with moderate to severe palmoplantar plaque psoriasis.