Celgene reports positive data from Otezla psoriasis trial

Celgene has announced results from its ongoing phase III Liberate trial demonstrating the safety and efficacy of its psoriasis drug Otezla.

The oral selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 has been evaluated among patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, with a number of different dosing options assessed.

At week 16, individuals receiving Otezla 30 mg twice daily demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement when compared with placebo. Statistical significance was also achieved for patients receiving weekly injections of etanercept 50 mg.

A post-hoc analysis revealed no significant difference between the performance of the two drugs. The study also indicated that a switch from etanercept to Otezla at week 16 can be safe and effective.

Dr Kristian Reich, of the SCIderm Research Institute and Dermatologikum Hamburg, said the study data "further supports the potential for this therapy to have an impact on the needs of patients suffering from this chronic and debilitating disease".

The oral treatment for adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis was launched in the UK last month.