Apremilast for discoid lupus erythematosus: results of a phase 2, open-label, single-arm, pilot study
De Souza, A.; Strober, B.E.; Merola, J.F.; Oliver, S.; Franks, A.G.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology Jdd 11(10): 1224-1226
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1545-9616 PMID: 23134988 Document Number: 11035
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder mediated by Th1 cells. Apremilast is a novel oral PDE4 enzyme inhibitor capable of blocking leukocyte production of IL-12, IL-23, TNF-a, INF- with subsequent suppression of Th1 and Th17-mediated immune responses, and proven clinical efficacy for psoriasis as well as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease after 85 days of treatment with apremilast 20 mg twice daily in 8 patients with active discoid lupus. The adverse events related to the drug were mild and transient. This is the first open label study to use apremilast as a treatment modality for discoid lupus. Our observations indicate that apremilast may constitute a safe and effective therapeutic option for DLE.
Document emailed within 1 workday
