Tremfya shows long-term efficacy in plaque psoriasis

Tremfya has shown high rates of long-term skin clearance in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in a phase 3 extension study, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies announced in a press release.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo and active comparator-controlled VOYAGE 1 trial followed patients for nearly 5 years of treatment with Tremfya (guselkumab), a human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 and inhibits its interaction with the IL-23 receptor.

Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo at weeks 0, 4 and 12, followed by a crossover to Tremfya at weeks 16 and 20, followed by every 8-week dosing; Tremfya 100 mg at weeks 0, 4 and 12, followed by every 8-week dosing; or adalimumab 80 mg at week 0, followed by 40 mg at week 1, then dosing every 2 weeks through week 47, with crossover to every 8-week dosing of Tremfya at week 52, according to the release. During the open-label extension period, all patients continued Tremfya treatment through week 252.

A Psoriasis Area Severity Index 90 response was recorded in 84% of patients at week 252, while 82.4% achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment score of clear or almost clear.

“We are excited to share these data demonstrating Tremfya’s ability to help adults living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis by providing sustained rates of clearance through nearly 5 years for the majority of patients,” Lloyd Miller, MD, PhD, vice president, immunodermatology disease area leader, Janssen Research & Development, said in the release. “With remission as the ultimate goal, we are committed to continuing to apply the best science and disease insights to advancing therapies that improve the lives of patients.”