Otezla meets primary endpoint in STYLE psoriasis study

Results from the Phase III STYLE study show that Otezla (apremilast) 30mg twice daily achieved a highly statistically-significant improvement in the primary endpoint of the Scalp Physician’s Global Assessment (ScPGA) response [defined as ScPGA score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline] at week 16 compared with placebo.

Otezla was developed and is marketed by US biotech firm Celgene (Nasdaq: CELG), and earned second-quarter sales of $375 million for the company. Celgene’s shares hit a high of $87.71, a 1.2% rise on the opening price, but drifted back by close on Monday.

In addition to achieving the primary endpoint, statistical significance was also met for the secondary endpoint of the whole body itch numeric rating scale (NRS) [defined as at least a 4-point reduction from baseline] at week 16 with Otezla versus placebo.