Tremfya Reduces PsA Damage

Tremfya is the first and only fully-human, dual-acting monoclonal antibody approved to treat PsA that blocks IL-23 while also binding to CD64, a receptor on cells that produce IL-23. IL-23 is a cytokine secreted by activated monocyte/macrophages and dendritic cells that is known to be a driver of immune-mediated diseases including active psoriatic arthritis. ACR20 response is defined as both at least 20 percent improvement from baseline in the number of tender and number of swollen joints, and a 20 percent improvement from baseline in three of the following five criteria: patient GA, physician GA, functional ability measure (HAQ-DI), patient-reported pain using a visual analog scale, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein.

In the Phase IIIb APEX study, Tremfya-treated patients also exhibited significantly less progression of structural damage versus patients receiving placebo at Week 24 as assessed by the PsA modified van der Heijde-Sharp (vdH-S) score, which includes joint space narrowing and erosion subscores. Data were consistent with the well-established safety profile of Tremfya with no new safety signals identified.

“Psoriatic arthritis can be a progressive and debilitating disease, and without early identification and treatment, patients may experience irreversible joint damage that significantly impacts their daily activities,” said Terence Rooney, Vice President, Rheumatology Disease Area Leader, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. “These new topline data highlight the importance of addressing both inflammation and structural damage at the source as early as possible. As the only IL-23 treatment to show significant inhibition of structural damage, Tremfya equips healthcare providers with critical data so their patients do not have to compromise their future joint health.”

APEX is a Phase IIIb study with long-term extension data through three years that will further assesses the sustained efficacy of Tremfya on inhibition of structural damage in patients with active PsA. Results from the APEX study are being prepared for presentation at upcoming medical congresses.

ABOUT APEX STUDY (NCT04882098)
APEX is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with active PsA who are biologic naïve and have had an inadequate response to standard therapies (e.g., csDMARDs, apremilast, and/or NSAIDs). The treatment duration includes a 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled period, followed by a 24-week active treatment period, followed by a 12-week safety follow-up period. For patients who agree to enter the long-term extension, an additional 2 years of active treatment period is scheduled prior to the final safety follow-up.