NICE rejects oral psoriasis treatment

Apremilast (Otezla) should not normally be prescribed on the NHS for chronic plaque psoriasis, NICE has decided.

Further information
NICE technology appraisal TA368

The PDE4 inhibitor is not recommended for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults whose psoriasis has not improved with other treatments, who have had side-effects with these treatments in the past, or who cannot have them.

NICE concluded that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for apremilast in the treatment of moderate and severe psoriasis were not within the range considered to indicate a cost-effective use of NHS resources.

Prescribers treating patients with apremilast should discuss alternative treatment options with the patients and continue prescribing apremilast until it is considered appropriate to stop.