Trial Outcomes & Findings for A Study to Evaluate the Impact of Apremilast on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Outcomes in Adults With Psoriatic Arthritis (NCT NCT03783026)

This study was conducted at 43 centers in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

This was a single-arm, open-label study to evaluate the impact of apremilast on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes in adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The study consisted of a 48-week treatment phase, and an observational 4-week follow-up phase.

The full analysis set includes all participants who were enrolled, and excludes participants who did not receive any study drug.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand (the hand with the greater inflammatory burden of swollen joints and/or dactylitis). Synovitis, flexor tenosynovitis, and bone marrow edema were scored from 0 (none/normal) to 3 (severe) at each joint. The total scores for synovitis and tenosynovitis range from 0 to 36 and the total score for BME ranges from 0 to 72 since both proximal and distal regions of each joint were scored. The PsAMRIS composite inflammation score is calculated as: BME score + 2 × synovitis score + 2 × tenosynovitis score, and ranges from 0 (normal) to 216 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures (MMRM) with change from baseline as the dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand (the hand with the greater inflammatory burden of swollen joints and/or dactylitis). Synovitis, flexor tenosynovitis, and bone marrow edema were scored from 0 (none/normal) to 3 (severe) at each joint. The total scores for synovitis and tenosynovitis range from 0 to 36 and the total score for BME ranges from 0 to 72 since both proximal and distal regions of each joint were scored. The PsAMRIS composite inflammation score is calculated as: BME score + 2 × synovitis score + 2 × tenosynovitis score, and ranges from 0 (normal) to 216 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM with change from baseline as the dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand (the hand with the greater inflammatory burden of swollen joints and/or dactylitis). Synovitis and bone marrow edema were each scored from 0 (none/normal) to 3 (severe) at each joint. The total score for synovitis ranges from 0 to 36 and the total score for BME ranges from 0 to 72 since this is scored at both proximal and distal regions of each joint. The PsAMRIS composite score of BME and synovitis is calculated as: BME score + 2 × synovitis score. The score ranges from 0 (normal) to 144 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM including change from baseline of composite score of BME and synovitis as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand. Synovitis, flexor tenosynovitis, and bone marrow edema were each scored from 0 (none/normal) to 3 (severe) at each joint. Periarticular inflammation was scored 0 (absent) or 1 (present) separately at volar and dorsal aspects of the same 12 joints. The scores for synovitis and tenosynovitis range from 0 to 36, the score for BME is from 0 to 72 and the periarticular inflammation score is from 0 to 24. The PsAMRIS total inflammation score is calculated as: BME score + 2 × synovitis score + 2 × tenosynovitis score + 3 × periarticular inflammation, and ranges from 0 (normal) to 288 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM with change from baseline score as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

Bone marrow edema (BME) is a buildup of fluid inside the bones. The OMERACT PsAMRIS scoring system assesses BME at the proximal and distal regions of MCP, PIP, and DIP joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand. BME is assessed on a scale of 0-3 based on the proportion of bone with edema, compared to the assessed bone volume (articular surface to a depth of 1 cm), judged on all available images; where 0: no edema; 1: 1-33% of bone edema; 2: 34-66% of bone edema; 3: 67-100% of bone edema. The overall score ranges from 0 (none) to 72 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM with change from baseline BME score as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand (the hand with the greater inflammatory burden of swollen joints and/or dactylitis). Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane, connective tissue that lines the inside of the joint. Synovitis was scored from 0 to 3 at MCP, PIP and DIP joints of fingers 2 to 5 (total of 12 joints), where score 0 is normal, and a score of 1 is mild, 2 is moderate, and 3 is severe. The overall synovitis score ranges from 0 (normal) to 36 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM including change from baseline in synovitis score as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand (the hand with the greater inflammatory burden of swollen joints and/or dactylitis). Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the protective sheath (synovial membrane) that surrounds tendons. Flexor tenosynovitis was scored from 0 to 3 at MCP, PIP and DIP joints of fingers 2 to 5 (total of 12 joints) where a score of 0 is none; 1: \< 1/2 tendon thickness; 2: ≥ 1/2 and \< 1 tendon thickness; 3: ≥ 1 tendon thickness. The overall tenosynovitis score ranges from 0 (none) to 36 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM including change from baseline in tenosynovitis score as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand (the hand with the greater inflammatory burden of swollen joints and/or dactylitis). Periarticular inflammation refers to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the joint, including the periosteum and the entheses, but not the tendon sheaths. Periarticular inflammation was scored 0 (absent) or 1 (present) separately at volar and dorsal aspects of the same 12 joint regions as evaluated for synovitis and flexor tenosynovitis. The score for periarticular inflammation ranges from 0 (absent) to 24 (present at all joints). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM including change from baseline in periarticular inflammation as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses MCP, PIP, and DIP joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand. Bone erosion (loss of bone) was assessed at the distal and proximal regions of each joint on a scale of 0 to 10, based on the proportion of eroded bone compared to the assessed bone volume, where 0 is no erosion; 1: 1-10% of bone eroded; 2: 11-20%, etc. The total erosion score is from 0 (none) to 240 (severe). Bone proliferation (abnormal bone formation in the periarticular region) was scored at each joint as 0 (absent) or 1 (present). The total proliferation score is from 0 to 12 (present at all joints) The total damage score includes the erosion and bone proliferation scores, calculated as: Erosion score + 20 × bone proliferation score, and ranges from 0 (none) to 480 (worst). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM with baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand. Bone erosion (loss of bone) was assessed at the distal and proximal regions of each joint on a scale of 0-10, based on the proportion of eroded bone compared to the assessed bone volume, judged on all available images: 0: no erosion; 1: 1-10% of bone eroded; 2: 11-20%, etc. The assessed bone volume is from the articular surface (or its best estimated position if absent) to a depth of 1 cm. The total erosion score ranges from 0 (none) to 240 (severe). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM with baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

PsAMRIS is a validated MRI scoring system that assesses metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints of fingers 2 to 5 of the most affected hand. Bone proliferation (abnormal bone formation in the periarticular region such as at the entheses and across the joint) was scored at each joint as 0 (absent) or 1 (present). The total proliferation score ranges from 0 (none) to 12 (present at all joints). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. This endpoint was analyzed using a MMRM with baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

A total of 76 joints (including the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and toes) were examined for swelling.

A total of 78 joints (including the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and toes) were examined for pain or tenderness.

The c-DAPSA is a measure of PsA disease activity, associated with functional and structural outcomes. C-DAPSA is calculated as the sum of the following measures: * Tender joint count 68 (TJC68); * Swollen joint count 66 (SJC66); * Patient global assessment of disease activity measured on a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 (not active) to 10 (very active); and * Pain measured on a NRS from 0 (none) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). The c-DAPSA score ranges from 0 to 154, where a higher score indicates greater disease activity. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement.

Enthesitis is inflammation of the sites where tendons or ligaments insert into the bone. The SPARCC Enthesitis Index assesses 16 unique sites for tenderness recorded as either present (1) or absent (0) for an overall score range of 0 to 16. A higher count represents greater enthesitis burden. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. Pre-existing enthesopathy was defined as a baseline SPARCC score greater than 0.

LEI is a validated tool for the assessment of enthesitis in PsA patients. Tenderness was assessed at 6 sites of tendon insertion (lateral epicondyle, left and right, medial femoral condyle, left and right, and Achilles tendon insertion, left and right). Tenderness was recorded as either present (1) or absent (0) for each of the 6 sites, for an overall score range of 0 to 6. A higher count represents a greater enthesitis burden. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. Pre-existing enthesopathy was defined as a baseline LEI score greater than 0.

Enthesitis is inflammation of the sites where tendons or ligaments insert into the bone. The SPARCC Enthesitis Index assesses 16 unique sites for tenderness recorded as either present (1) or absent (0) for an overall score range of 0 to 16. A higher count represents greater enthesitis burden. Resolution of SPARCC enthesitis is defined as achieving a SPARCC index score of 0 for participants with baseline SPARCC enthesitis (SPARCC index score \> 0).

LEI is a validated tool for the assessment of enthesitis in PsA patients. Tenderness was assessed at 6 sites of tendon insertion (lateral epicondyle, left and right, medial femoral condyle, left and right, and Achilles tendon insertion, left and right). Tenderness was recorded as either present (1) or absent (0) for each of the 6 sites, for an overall score range of 0 to 6. A higher count represents a greater enthesitis burden. Resolution of LEI enthesitis is defined as a LEI score of 0 for participants with baseline LEI enthesitis (LEI score \> 0).

Dactylitis is characterized by the swelling of the entire finger or toe. Dactylitis was assessed using the Leeds Dactylitis Index (LDI). LDI measures the ratio of the circumference of the affected digit to the circumference of the digit on the opposite hand or foot, using a minimum difference of 10% to define a dactylitic digit. The ratio of circumference is multiplied by a tenderness score from 0 to 3, where 0 = No Tenderness, 1 = Tender, 2 = Tender and wince, 3 = Tender and withdraw. The dactylitis score is the sum of the individual scores for each digit, where 0 indicates no dactylitis and higher scores represent worse dactylitis. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. Pre-existing dactylitis is defined as a baseline LDI score greater than 0.

Dactylitis is characterized by the swelling of the entire finger or toe. Dactylitis was assessed using the Leeds Dactylitis Index (LDI). LDI measures the ratio of the circumference of the affected digit to the circumference of the digit on the opposite hand or foot, using a minimum difference of 10% to define a dactylitic digit. The ratio of circumference is multiplied by a tenderness score from 0 to 3 , where 0 = No Tenderness, 1 = Tender, 2 = Tender and wince, 3 = Tender and withdraw). The LDI score is the sum of the individual scores for each digit, where 0 is no dactylitis and higher scores represent worse dactylitis. Resolution of dactylitis is defined as a LDI score of 0 for participants with dactylitis (LDI score \> 0) at baseline.

PASDAS is a measure of disease activity derived from the following variables: * Physician and patient global assessment of disease activity (assessed on a 0-10 NRS, then multiplied by 10) * 68 tender joint count * 66 swollen joint count * Short Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36) physical component summary score (general health status on a scale from 0-100) * Tender dactylitis count (each digit assessed for tender dactylitis; total score 0-20) * Leeds enthesitis index (enthesitis assessed at 6 sites; total score of 0-6) * C-reactive protein (CRP) level (mg/L) The composite score is a weighted index that ranges from 0 to 10, with worse disease activity represented by higher scores. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement.

The Evaluator's Global Assessment of Disease Activity evaluates how active a participant's PsA was on the day of the assessment. Disease activity was assessed on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale (NRS) where 0 represents "no arthritis activity," and 10 represents "extreme active arthritis". A negative change from baseline indicates improvement.

The Patient's Global Assessment is an assessment of how active a participant's arthritis was on average during the past week. The score ranges from 0 to 10 based on a numerical rating scale, where 0 represents 'Very Well' and 10 represents 'Very Poor'. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement.

The Subject's Assessment of Pain is an assessment of how much pain a participant had on average during the past week due to psoriatic arthritis. The score ranges from 0-10 based on a numerical rating scale, where 0 represents 'No Pain' and 10 represents 'Pain As Bad As You Can Imagine'. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement.

The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index is a patient-reported questionnaire that measures the degree of difficulty a person has in accomplishing tasks in 8 functional areas (dressing, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reaching, gripping, and errands and chores) over the past week. Participants assessed their ability to do each task on a scale from 0 (without any difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). Scores were averaged to provide an overall score ranging from 0 to 3, where 0 represents no disability and 3 represents very severe, high-dependency disability. A negative change from Baseline in the overall score indicates improvement.

Enthesitis was assessed by whole body MRI according to the OMERACT MRI Whole-Body Score for Inflammation in Peripheral Joints and Entheses in Inflammatory Arthritis (MRI-WIPE) scoring system. Thirty-three entheseal sites were assessed for soft tissue inflammation (STI) and 34 sites for osteitis, including the shoulder, pelvis, knees and feet, each on a scale from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). The Total Peripheral Enthesitis Inflammation score is calculated by adding up all the enthesitis (STI and osteitis) scores and ranges from 0 to 201, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. WB-MRI endpoints were analyzed using a MMRM including change from baseline as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

Joint inflammation was assessed by whole body MRI according to the OMERACT MRI-WIPE scoring system. Eighty-three peripheral joints were assessed for synovitis and 96 sites for osteitis at the shoulder, hands, pelvis, knees and feet on a semiquantitative scale from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). The Peripheral Joint Inflammation score is calculated by adding up all the joint (synovitis and osteitis) scores and ranges from 0 to 537, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. WB MRI endpoints were analyzed using a MMRM including change from baseline as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

Inflammation in joints (arthritis) and at entheses (enthesitis) were assessed separately for soft tissues (synovitis at joints, soft tissue inflammation at entheses) and bone (osteitis) by whole body MRI according to the OMERACT MRI-WIPE scoring system. Each entheseal and joint was scored on a scale from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). The total peripheral inflammation index is the sum of peripheral enthesitis and peripheral joints inflammation index scores, and ranges from 0 to 738, with higher scores reflecting greater disease severity. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. WB MRI endpoints were analyzed using a MMRM including change from baseline as dependent variable; baseline value, scanner type and time as independent variables.

BASDAI is a composite score based on a self-administered survey of six questions with each answered on a 0 to 10 NRS. The 6 questions assess the five major symptoms relevant to spondyloarthropathies: 1) fatigue; 2) spinal pain; 3) peripheral joint pain/swelling; 4) areas of localized tenderness; 5a) morning stiffness severity upon wakening; 5b) morning stiffness duration upon wakening. To give each of the 5 symptoms equal weighting, the mean of the two scores relating to morning stiffness (questions 5 and 6) is taken. The final BASDAI score is calculated as the mean of the 5 items. The BASDAI score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores reflecting greater disease activity. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement. BASDAI was analyzed in participants deemed to have PsA spondylitis by the investigator and with BASDAI item 2 score ≥ 4 at baseline).

The PsAID consists of 12 physical and psychological domains: pain, fatigue, skin, work and/or leisure activities, function, discomfort, sleep, coping, anxiety, embarrassment and/or shame, social life, and depression. Each domain is scored on a NRS rom 0 to 10. The final score is derived as a weighted sum of each domain score, divided by 20, and has a range from 0 (best status) to 10 (worst status). A negative change from baseline indicates improvement.

A TEAE is any adverse event (AE) that began or worsened on or after the first dose of apremilast and no later than 28 days after the last dose. A serious adverse event is any AE occurring at any dose that: * Resulted in death; * Was life-threatening; * Required inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization; * Resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity; * Was a congenital anomaly/birth defect; * Constituted an important medical event. For each AE, the Investigator assessed the severity/intensity of the event as mild, moderate, or severe (symptoms causing severe discomfort/pain, interference with daily activities, and requiring medical, surgical or drug therapy). The Investigator also assessed whether each event was suspected to be related to study drug based on whether there was evidence to suggest a causal relationship.