This is a phase 3b, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, study of the efficacy and safety of apremilast, etanercept, and placebo, in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Approximately 240 subjects will be randomized 1:1:1 to the three treatment groups. All subjects will receive both tablets and injections through Week 16.

The study will consist of four phases:

  • Screening Phase - up to 35 days
  • Double-blind Placebo-controlled Phase - Weeks 0-16
  • Apremilast Extension Phase - Weeks 16-104
  • Post-treatment Observational Follow-up Phase

During the double-blind, placebo-controlled phase, subjects will receive treatment with one of the following:

  • apremilast (APR) 30 mg tablets orally twice a day (BID) plus once weekly (QW) evaluator/subject-blinded subcutaneous (SC) saline (placebo) injections (1 mL x 2 injections SC), or
  • etanercept (ETN) 50 mg evaluator/subject-blinded subcutaneous (SC) once weekly (QW) injections (2 x 25 mg) plus placebo tablets orally twice a day (BID), or
  • placebo tablets and evaluator/subject-blinded subcutaneous (SC) saline (placebo) injections.

All subjects will be asked to participate in a 4-week Post-treatment Observational Follow-up Phase either upon completion of the study or upon discontinuation of investigational product for those subjects who terminate the study early.

Read more: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01690299?cond=%22Arthritis%22&lup_s=08/23/2013&lup_d=30