Psoriasis Treatment Center of New Jersey Reports Positive Results for Tapinarof in Psoriasis Trial

This article was originally published on Dermatology Times®. It has been lightly edited.

The Psoriasis Treatment Center of New Jersey, a part of Schweiger Dermatology Group, has recently revealed encouraging findings from an open-label clinical trial involving tapinarof (Vtama) cream 1%, in conjunction with injectable biologics for the treatment of adult plaque psoriasis. The trial aimed to achieve the National Psoriasis Foundation's (NPF) treat-to-target goal, reducing psoriasis to 1% body surface area (BSA) or less within 3 months.

A dermatologist wearing gloves examines the skin of a sick patient. Examination and diagnosis of skin diseases-allergies, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis | fusssergei - stock.adobe.com

Conducted at a single center, the observational study enrolled 30 patients with at least 3% BSA who had been on stable biologic therapy for a minimum of 26 weeks. Eligible patients received tapinarof cream once daily for 12 weeks, in addition to their biologic regimen. Following the discontinuation of tapinarof cream at week 12, patients returned at week 16 for safety assessments and to evaluate maintenance response, with patient-reported outcomes collected from baseline through week 16.

The trial yielded significant results, with 52% of adult patients achieving the NPF treat-to-target goal of 1% BSA or less within 3 months of incorporating tapinarof cream into their biologic regimen. Moreover, patients experienced a remarkable 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores at week 12, a reduction that was maintained at week 16, even 4 weeks post tapinarof cream discontinuation.

The study also showcased positive outcomes for patients with genital involvement, where all 3 patients achieved clearance in the genital region by week 12.

Importantly, tapinarof cream demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability when used in combination with injectable biologics. No severe adverse events were reported, and the only noted issue was a single case of mild folliculitis.

Jerry Bagel, MD, the principal investigator for the study, emphasized that the data indicates the potential of tapinarof in combination with injectable biologics to help patients achieve clearer skin without increasing the risk of harm. Additionally, he says there are cost benefits.

“This data shows using Vtama [tapinarof] in combination with an injectable biologic can help patients get to their goal of clearer skin without increasing chances of harm," said Bagel in a press release. "Additionally, it can increase the time of use for biologics instead of switching between agents; therefore, decreasing overall healthcare costs and burden on patients and physician offices."

Further insights from this study are anticipated to be presented at an upcoming medical conference, offering dermatology clinicians valuable information to enhance their psoriasis treatment strategies.

Reference

The psoriasis treatment center of New Jersey, part of Schweiger Dermatology Group, announce positive topline results from an open-label trial of VTAMA® (tapinarof) cream, 1% in combination with injectable biologics to achieve the National Psoriasis Foundation treat to target goal in adult plaque psoriasis. PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring and marketing. December 13, 2023. Accessed December 19, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-psoriasis-treatment-center-of-new-jersey-part-of-schweiger-dermatology-group-announce-positive-topline-results-from-an-open-label-trial-of-vtama-tapinarof-cream-1-in-combination-with-injectable-biologics-to-achieve-the--302012758.html.