UK NICE recommends use of Otezla (apremilast) for adult patients with psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response to DMARDS-Celgene

Celgene announced that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) recommending the use of Otezla (apremilast) for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response to or have been unable to tolerate Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). Otezla does not require pre-screening for tuberculosis or regular laboratory monitoring.

Following initial negative guidance issued by NICE in September 2015, Otezla was reappraised under the NICE Rapid Review process. Otezla, alone or in combination with DMARDs, is now recommended with a Patient Access Scheme for adults with active psoriatic arthritis when they have peripheral arthritis with 3 or more tender joints and 3 or more swollen joints and their disease has not responded to adequate trials of at least 2 standard DMARDs, given either alone or in combination.