Successful treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with the PEGylated Fab' certolizumab pegol: results of a phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a re-treatment extension

Br J Dermatol. 2012 Jul;167(1):180-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.10941.x. Epub 2012 Jun 11.

Abstract

Background: Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a PEGylated antitumour necrosis factor agent.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CZP in patients with plaque psoriasis.

Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 176 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis received placebo or CZP 400 mg at week 0 followed by placebo or CZP (200 or 400 mg) every other week until week 10. Co-primary endpoints were ≥ 75% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) and a Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) of clear-almost clear at week 12. A re-treatment extension study was conducted in 71 CZP PASI 75 responders who relapsed during a 12- to 24-week observation period without treatment.

Results: PASI 75 was achieved by 44/59 (75%), 48/58 (83%) and 4/59 (7%) patients in the CZP 200 mg, CZP 400 mg and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0·001 for both treatment arms vs. placebo). A PGA score of clear-almost clear was achieved by 53%, 72% and 2%, respectively (P < 0·001 for both treatment arms vs. placebo). In the re-treatment study median PASI scores were similar at week 12 in the first treatment and re-treatment periods for both CZP groups. Serious adverse events occurred in 3%, 5% and 2% of CZP 200 mg, CZP 400 mg and placebo patients, respectively.

Conclusions: Treatment with CZP significantly improved psoriasis at week 12. Similar efficacy was observed at week 12 in patients receiving re-treatment for loss of response after drug withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Certolizumab Pegol
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / administration & dosage*
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Retreatment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Certolizumab Pegol