Celgene reports positive data for psoriasis therapy

Celgene has announced positive clinical trial data supporting the efficacy of apremilast in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

Results from the Esteem 1 and 2 phase III trials revealed that the drug was able to meet its primary and secondary endpoint goals in both studies, showing statistically significant benefits in addressing symptoms of the disease.

The latest safety and tolerability data is improved compared to previously observed phase II psoriasis data and consistent with results from other phase III trials assessing the compound as a therapy for psoriatic arthritis.

Celgene hopes to file for regulatory approval of apremilast in the US and Europe during the first half of 2013.

Dr Kim Papp of Probity Medical Research in Canada said: "There is a high unmet medical need for an efficacious, safe, oral option that patients can take long-term."

Last month, the company announced a new alliance with Sutro Biopharma to develop next-generation antibody drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies.