Participants in the ESTEEM 1 trial will be enrolled in a 5-year extension study so researchers can collect long-term safety and efficacy data. However, based on the current findings, including data from psoriatic arthritis patients, the drug looks quite promising for the treatment of psoriasis, Dr. Reich said.
"I see this as a prime candidate for future management of psoriasis that allows us to treat a range of patients, including more moderate cases earlier on," he said. Such a treatment is needed, particularly in light of new disease concepts that characterize psoriasis as involving systemic inflammation that requires early control, he explained.
The study was sponsored by Celgene.