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EADV 2010 Congress: Interim analysis indicates sustained efficacy of etanercept in children with plaque psoriasis

Etanercept is a subcutaneous drug for psoriasis. Its safety, efficacy and quality of life (QoL) were investigated in 2 studies. The initial double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 211 children with plaque psoriasis aged 4-17 years. Inclusion age criteria followed European guidance for pediatric use. The patients received once-weekly etanercept 0.8 mg/kg administered subcutaneously for 36 weeks. Those who completed the initial study were eligible for a second open-label extension study lasting 264 weeks. Outcome measures included Psoriasis Activity and Severity Index (PASI) and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (DMLQI) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Analysis of interim results at 96 weeks showed sustained efficacy, with 90, 60 and 27% of patients achieving PASI 50, ...