A new oral treatment for psoriasis was approved in November 2014 by Health Canada. The drug called OTEZLA®, or apremilast tablets, treats patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
OTEZLA represents a significant advance because it approaches the chronic inflammation differently from previous oral treatment options, by inhibiting an enzyme known as PDE4. This enzyme controls inflammatory responses associated with psoriasis. It also provides another effective treatment option for Canadians struggling with managing the disease.
What is Plaque Psoriasis?
A common inflammatory skin condition, psoriasis typically appears as red raised patches of skin with flaking scales. Lesions can vary in size and take on several different forms; ‘plaque’ psoriasis being the most common. Plaques are often found on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Psoriasis affects an estimated 1 million Canadians, of these individuals approximately 90% have plaque-type psoriasis (source: Canadian Dermatology Association).
Other Treatment Options
There are many treatment options to help manage psoriasis and make your life more comfortable. Topical treatments to reduce inflammation are usually a starting point for the treatment of psoriasis. Types of topical options include corticosteroids, vitamin D derivatives and coal tar.
Oral or “systemic” drugs, such as OTEZLA, work by suppressing the body’s immune response that causes the skin inflammation, and by helping regulate and normalize skin cell turnover. Most oral drugs are usually reserved for treating more severe symptoms. Also in this category are more novel agents called “biologics”, which are usually given by injection.
Phototherapy with natural and artificial ultraviolet (UV) light on a regular basis has been found to improve skin symptoms in many patients. However, phototherapy needs to be medically supervised and controlled, as sunburn can easily worsen the condition.
To learn more about OTEZLA and other treatment options, please consult your dermatologist.
For more information on psoriasis visit the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients (CAPP) or the American National Psoriasis Organization websites.