Press Release Details

New data further reinforces clinical benefit of Otezla in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis and in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis

Real-world evidence data being presented demonstrates continued burden of disease for patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis

Otezla is the first and only oral therapy FDA approved in adult patients with plaque psoriasis across all severities, including mild, moderate and severe

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced that new Otezla (apremilast) data, along with findings on the unmet need for patients with plaque psoriasis, will be presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) congress in Boston, Massachusetts, March 25-29, 2022. These data presentations follow the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded Otezla label approval in December 2021.

"The data being presented at AAD demonstrates Amgen's continued commitment to supporting patients that are living with plaque psoriasis – especially those affected in difficult-to-treat areas as well as those with palmoplantar pustulosis – and understanding the unmet needs they continue to face," said Primal Kaur, vice president, Global Development, Inflammation at Amgen. "With Otezla's recently expanded label that enables us to reach plaque psoriasis patients across all levels of disease severity, Amgen is now able to offer a treatment that could help to alleviate the significant burden on these patients"

Amgen will present data from a Phase 2 palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) Japanese trial (PPP-001) as well as data from both the PROMINENT and ADVANCE Phase 3 studies in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Results from the PPP-001 trial showed that apremilast demonstrated meaningful and early improvements in PPP severity, itching and pain, and that adverse events (the most common including gastrointestinal events and headache) were consistent with the known safety profile. The PROMINENT and ADVANCE studies reinforced the efficacy of apremilast in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.

Additionally, results from the multinational UPLIFT survey and real-world CorEvitas' Psoriasis registry continue to highlight the ongoing impact and unmet needs in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis especially those with special area involvement. Both will be shared as oral presentations on Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 10:35am – 10:40am ET and 10:25am – 10:30am ET, respectively.

Otezla is approved for three indications in the U.S., including adult patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis and for adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease. Otezla is the most prescribed brand for plaque psoriasis patients starting systemic therapy.¹ Amgen is committed to investigating the potential of Otezla across the continuum of psoriasis, including underserved patients with genital psoriasis, pediatric psoriasis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis and other areas of high burden.

Key Abstracts and Presentation Times:

Otezla Clinical Data Abstracts

• Efficacy and Safety of Apremilast for the Treatment of Japanese Patients With Palmoplantar Pustulosis: Results From a Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
  • Abstract #33142, Poster/Oral Presentation, Sunday, Mar 27 from 9:25am – 9:30am ET
• Efficacy of Apremilast in Mild to Moderate Psoriasis: Subgroup Analysis Stratified by Baseline TSQM Global Satisfaction Levels From PROMINENT study in Japan
  • Abstract #33926, Poster/Oral Presentation, Sunday, Mar 27 from 10:20am – 10:25am ET
• Efficacy of Apremilast in Patients With Mild to Moderate Psoriasis Assessed by the Physician Global Assessment and Body Surface Area Composite Tool: Post Hoc Analysis From ADVANCE
  • Abstract #33354, EPoster
• A Multinational Chart Review to Examine Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Their Management in Patients Treated with Apremilast for Plaque Psoriasis
  • Abstract #33356, EPoster

Real-World Study Abstracts

• Impact of Psoriasis in Special Areas on Patient Quality-of-Life Outcomes and Depression Screening: Findings From the Multinational UPLIFT Survey
  • Abstract #33950, Poster/Oral Presentation, Sunday, Mar 27 from 10:35am – 10:40am ET
• Relationship Between Skin Involvement and Disease Burden in Patients With Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis: Real-World Findings From CorEvitas' Psoriasis Registry
  • Abstract #33933, Poster/Oral Presentation, Sunday, Mar 27 from 10:25am – 10:30am ET

Abstracts can be found on the AAD Website.

About PPP-001 PH2 Trial
Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a pruritic, painful and debilitating chronic dermatitis, characterized by recurrent eruptions of pustules on the palms and soles. Approved therapeutic options are limited. This randomized, phase 2 study (NCT04057937) evaluated apremilast 30 mg twice daily for efficacy and safety vs placebo (PBO) for moderate to severe PPP after inadequate response to topical therapy in Japan.

The primary endpoint was ≥50% improvement in PPP Area and Severity Index (PPPASI-50; chi-square, α=0.10) at Week 16.

About PROMINENT
PROMINENT (NCT03930186) is  Phase 3b, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study evaluating the efficacy and safety of apremilast in Japanese patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (Static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 2 to 3) not adequately controlled by topical therapy. The study recruited 152 patients to receive apremilast 30 mg twice daily for 32 weeks on top of their existing topical therapy.

The primary endpoint was percentage of patients who achieved an sPGA score of 0 or 1 at week 16.

About ADVANCE (PSOR-022)
ADVANCE (NCT03721172) is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluating the efficacy and safety of apremilast in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (defined as Body Surface Area involvement of 2% to 15%, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of 2 to 15, sPGA score of 2 to 3). The study randomized 595 patients 1:1 to receive apremilast (n=297) 30 mg twice daily or placebo (n=298) for the first 16 weeks. All patients then received apremilast during an open-label extension phase through week 32.

The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with sPGA response [defined as a sPGA score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) with at least a 2-point reduction from baseline] at week 16.

About the UPLIFT Survey
In 2020, Amgen conducted the global Understanding Psoriatic Disease Leveraging Insights for Treatment (UPLIFT) survey exploring the evolution of attitudes and behaviors of 3,806 people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, 473 dermatologists and 450 rheumatologists in eight countries in North America, Europe and Asia. The survey was conducted in 2020 and was overseen by an academic steering committee of thought-leaders in dermatology and rheumatology. The survey builds upon findings from the 2012 Multinational Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (MAPP) survey, a first-of-its-kind study conducted by Celgene that looked in-depth at the effect of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis on people living with these conditions.  

About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a serious, chronic inflammatory disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, typically affecting the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, though it can appear on any location.² Approximately 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis, including around 14 million people in Europe and more than 7.5 million people in the United States.^3,4 About 80% of those patients have plaque psoriasis.⁵

About Otezla^® (apremilast)
OTEZLA^® (apremilast) is an oral small-molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) specific for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). PDE4 inhibition results in increased intracellular cAMP levels, which is thought to indirectly modulate the production of inflammatory mediators. The specific mechanism(s) by which Otezla exerts its therapeutic action in patients is not well defined.

Otezla^® (apremilast) U.S. INDICATIONS                                                                   

INDICATIONS
Otezla^® (apremilast) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.

Otezla is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.

Otezla is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Contraindications

• Otezla^® is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to apremilast or to any of the excipients in the formulation

Warnings and Precautions

• Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting: Cases of severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting were associated with the use of Otezla. Most events occurred within the first few weeks of treatment. In some cases patients were hospitalized. Patients 65 years of age or older and patients taking medications that can lead to volume depletion or hypotension may be at a higher risk of complications from severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Monitor patients who are more susceptible to complications of diarrhea or vomiting; advise patients to contact their healthcare provider. Consider Otezla dose reduction or suspension if patients develop severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Depression: Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with Otezla for patients with a history of depression and/or suicidal thoughts/behavior, or in patients who develop such symptoms while on Otezla. Patients, caregivers, and families should be advised of the need to be alert for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or other mood changes, and they should contact their healthcare provider if such changes occur
  • Plaque Psoriasis: Treatment with Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. During clinical trials in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, 1.3% (12/920) of patients reported depression compared to 0.4% (2/506) on placebo. Depression was reported as serious in 0.1% (1/1308) of patients exposed to Otezla, compared to none in placebo-treated patients (0/506). Suicidal behavior was observed in 0.1% (1/1308) of patients on Otezla, compared to 0.2% (1/506) on placebo. One patient treated with Otezla attempted suicide; one patient on placebo committed suicide
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment with Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. During clinical trials, 1.0% (10/998) reported depression or depressed mood compared to 0.8% (4/495) treated with placebo. Suicidal ideation and behavior was observed in 0.2% (3/1441) of patients on Otezla, compared to none in placebo-treated patients. Depression was reported as serious in 0.2% (3/1441) of patients exposed to Otezla, compared to none in placebo-treated patients (0/495). Two patients who received placebo committed suicide compared to none on Otezla
  • Behçet's Disease: Treatment with Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. During the clinical trial, 1% (1/104) reported depression or depressed mood compared to 1% (1/103) treated with placebo. No instances of suicidal ideation or behavior were reported in patients treated with Otezla or treated with placebo
• Weight Decrease: Monitor body weight regularly; evaluate unexplained or clinically significant weight loss, and consider discontinuation of Otezla
  • Plaque Psoriasis: Body weight loss of 5-10% occurred in 12% (96/784) of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis treated with Otezla and in 5% (19/382) of patients treated with placebo. Body weight loss of ≥10% occurred in 2% (16/784) of patients treated with Otezla compared to 1% (3/382) of patients treated with placebo
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: Body weight loss of 5-10% was reported in 10% (49/497) of patients taking Otezla and in 3.3% (16/495) of patients taking placebo
  • Behçet's Disease: Body weight loss of >5% was reported in 4.9% (5/103) of patients taking Otezla and in 3.9% (4/102) of patients taking placebo
• Drug Interactions: Apremilast exposure was decreased when Otezla was co-administered with rifampin, a strong CYP450 enzyme inducer; loss of Otezla efficacy may occur. Concomitant use of Otezla with CYP450 enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) is not recommended

Adverse Reactions

• Plaque Psoriasis: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) are diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache, including tension headache.  Overall, the safety profile of Otezla in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis was consistent with the safety profile previously established in adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
• Psoriatic Arthritis: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) are diarrhea, nausea, and headache
• Behçet's Disease: The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) are diarrhea, nausea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Use in Specific Populations

• Otezla has not been studied in pregnant women. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk of fetal loss.

Please click here for Otezla^® Full Prescribing Information.

Amgen Inflammation
Amgen brings therapies to millions of people with inflammatory diseases, with a focus on serving unmet patient needs. For those with debilitating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, and other chronic conditions, the suffering and needs are severe. Complex diseases of inflammation have defied simple solutions, and the breadth of inflammatory disease and the burden patients bear is not well understood.

For more than two decades, Amgen has been committed to advancing the science and the understanding around inflammation to address the unmet patient needs that exist and expanding our portfolio. We lead with science through discovery research that is disease-agnostic and biology-first, modality-second. In doing so, we have introduced and evolved novel therapies that have changed the lives of patients.

Our commitment to patients is reflected not only in where we have succeeded, but in where we have failed and opened new doors. Throughout, we have remained dedicated to the principle of leading with science, pursuing where pathways and promising discoveries in inflammation take us, and not relenting until innovative solutions for patients are found. It's a commitment that extends beyond introducing novel therapies.

About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also part of the Nasdaq-100 index. In 2021, Amgen was named one of the 25 World's Best Workplaces™ by Fortune and Great Place to Work™ and one of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world by Barron's.

For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements on the outcome, benefits and synergies of collaborations, or potential collaborations, with any other company (including BeiGene, Ltd., Kyowa-Kirin Co., Ltd., or any collaboration to manufacture therapeutic antibodies against COVID-19), the performance of Otezla® (apremilast) (including anticipated Otezla sales growth and the timing of non-GAAP EPS accretion), the Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. acquisition, or the Teneobio, Inc. acquisition, as well as estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes, effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our business, and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Michael Strapazon, 805-313-5553 (Media)
Jessica Akopyan, 805-440-5721 (Media)
Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (Investors) 

 

 

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