More than half of adult psoriasis patients on biologics hit the National Psoriasis Foundation treat-to-target goal of 1% body surface area (BSA) or less involvement within three months of adding Tapinarof cream, 1% (Vtama, Dermavant), according to topline results from an open-label trial.
The study included 30 patients with ≥3% BSA who have been on stable biologic therapy for at least 26 weeks. Patients who met eligibility criteria received Vtama cream once daily for 12 weeks in addition to their biologic regimen. At week 12, patients stopped using the cream. Patients returned at week 16 to assess safety and evaluate maintenance response. Patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline through week 16.
Fully 52% of adults with plaque psoriasis who added Vtama ream to their stable biologic regimen achieved 1% body surface area (BSA) or less involvement within three months of starting Vtama cream, the study showed. Patients achieved a 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores at Week 12, which was maintained at Week 16, 4 weeks after the discontinuation of the cream.
“Vtama in combination with an injectable biologic can help patients get to their goal of clearer skin without increasing chances of harm,” says study author Jerry Bagel, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group – East Windsor in East Winsor, NJ, in a news release. “Additionally, it can increase the time of use for biologics instead of switching between agents; therefore, decreasing overall healthcare costs and burden on patients and physician offices.”
Moreover, Vtama cream was well tolerated, with no new safety signals when used in combination with injectable biologics. No severe adverse events were reported and there was only one report of mild folliculitis.
