Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2024, e20230448.doi: 10.35541/cjd.20230448

• Reviews • Previous Articles    

Apremilast in the treatment of plaque psoriasis

Zhu Tingting, Zhang Xuejun   

  1. Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
  • Received:2023-08-03 Revised:2023-11-02 Online:2024-01-29 Published:2024-02-06
  • Contact: Zhang Xuejun E-mail:ayzxj@vip.sina.com

Abstract: 【Abstract】 Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease induced by multiple immune cells. Apremilast, an orally administered small-molecule phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of psoriasis by inhibiting the activity of intracellular phosphodiesterase 4, indirectly elevating intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, achieving a balance between the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, and thus restoring immune homeostasis. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of apremilast in the treatment of plaque psoriasis and its application in special populations.

Key words: Psoriasis, Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, Apremilast, Efficacy