apremilast

Apremilast is an oral small molecule phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that modulates immune response by inhibiting PDE4 enzyme activity. This inhibition leads to a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), thereby reducing inflammation and immune cell proliferation. It is primarily developed for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases including moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Behçet’s disease-related oral ulcers. Apremilast was originally developed by Celgene and later acquired by Amgen. It is notable as the first approved oral PDE4 inhibitor for these indications with a favorable safety profile compared to traditional immunosuppressants. The drug is administered orally twice daily without need for routine laboratory monitoring or pre-treatment screening.

Brand names

Otezla阿普米司特

Other names

阿普斯特Apremilast