SPRING HOUSE, PA — Johnson & Johnson has announced promising results from its Phase 3b APEX trial for TREMFYA® (guselkumab), revealing its effectiveness in treating active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The study met its primary goal of reducing symptoms, as well as its secondary objective of slowing structural damage progression, within 24 weeks when compared to placebo.
TREMFYA® stands out as the first fully human monoclonal antibody approved for PsA therapy that both blocks IL-23, a key driver of inflammation, and binds to CD64, a receptor involved in IL-23 production. This dual-action approach targets inflammation and structural damage at its source, offering innovative solutions for PsA management.
According to the APEX study, patients receiving TREMFYA® demonstrated significantly less joint damage progression at 24 weeks, as evaluated by the PsA-modified van der Heijde-Sharp score. This score considers key factors like joint space narrowing and erosion. The drug’s established safety profile remained consistent, with no new safety concerns reported.
“Psoriatic arthritis can be a progressive and debilitating disease, and without early identification and treatment, patients may experience irreversible joint damage that significantly impacts their daily activities,” stated Terence Rooney, Vice President and Rheumatology Disease Area Leader at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Rooney emphasized the importance of addressing both the inflammation and structural damage early to preserve joint health.
The APEX trial includes an ongoing three-year extension phase to assess the long-term impact of TREMFYA® on structural damage and overall disease management. Full results are expected to be presented at future medical events, providing further insight into its sustained efficacy.
This development reinforces TREMFYA® as a critical option for healthcare providers seeking to deliver meaningful improvements in PsA treatment, reducing the burden of this chronic and potentially debilitating condition.
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