Why carry out this study?

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is an Fc-free, PEGylated anti-tumour necrosis factor biologic.

In a phase 2/3 trial, CZP dosed at 400 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) and 200 mg Q2W over 16 weeks showed clinically meaningful improvements in Japanese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PSO).

Due to the chronic nature of PSO, patients are required to remain on treatment for many years. Therefore, it is desirable that treatments remain durable over the longer term.

Here we report the 52-week efficacy and safety of CZP in Japanese patients with PSO.

What was learned from the study?

Treatment with CZP was associated with improvements in signs and symptoms of PSO, which were maintained through week 52.

In general, numerically higher response rates were observed with the CZP 400 mg Q2W dose through weeks 0–52. The 400 mg Q2W dose could provide additional clinical benefit.