The efficacy and safety of etanercept when used with as-needed adjunctive topical therapy in a randomised, double-blind study in subjects with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (the PRISTINE trial).

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of two etanercept dose regimens for psoriasis treatment.

Methods: Subjects were ≥18 years old with stable moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Subjects were randomised to etanercept 50 mg once weekly (QW) or 50 mg twice weekly (BIW) double-blind for 12 weeks, followed by 50 mg QW open label in all subjects through week 24. Only mild topical corticosteroids were permitted on scalp, axillae and groin for first 12 weeks; topical medications (corticosteroids of all potencies, vitamin D analogues and combination products) were allowed as needed for second 12 weeks at physicians' discretion, consistent with "real-world" therapeutic practice. An independent ethics committee reviewed and approved the study protocol.

Results: At week 24, 59.9% and 78.2% in the QW/QW and BIW/QW groups achieved PASI 75 improvement. Mean percentage PASI improvement in these groups was 58.5% and 74.1% at week 12 and 70.7% and 81.3% at week 24. Although permitted from weeks 12 to 24, topical agents were used in only 27.7% and 22.6% in the QW/QW and BIW/QW groups by week 24.

Conclusion: Both etanercept regimens were efficacious in moderate-to-severe psoriasis, although the BIW/QW regimen consistently provided higher response rates than the QW/QW regimen. More potent topical medications were used electively in <25% of subjects in each group.