OTEZLA XR
OTEZLA XR (apremilast) is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of several chronic inflammatory conditions in both adult and pediatric populations. In adults, the medication is used to treat active psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease. For pediatric patients aged six years and older weighing at least 50 kg, it is approved for active psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This oral therapy provides a systemic treatment option for patients who are candidates for phototherapy or other systemic therapies.
How OTEZLA XR Works
Apremilast is an oral small molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) that is specific for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). By inhibiting the PDE4 enzyme, the drug increases the levels of cAMP within cells. While the specific biological mechanisms by which these increased levels produce a therapeutic effect are not well defined, the drug's primary action is the targeted inhibition of PDE4.
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 2025-08-29
- Routes
- ORAL
- Dosage Forms
- TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE
OTEZLA XR Approval History
What OTEZLA XR Treats
3 indicationsOTEZLA XR is approved for 3 conditions since its original approval in 2025. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Behcet's Disease
Drugs Similar to OTEZLA XR
FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.
Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
OTEZLA XR FDA Label Details
ProIndications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)OTEZLA/OTEZLA XR, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is indicated for the treatment of: Adult patients with: Active psoriatic arthritis Plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy Oral ulcers associated with Behçet's Disease Pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with: Active psoriatic arthritis Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy In the pediatric population, OTEZLA is indicated for patients weighing at least 20 kg, and OTEZLA XR is indicated for patients weighing at least 50 kg. 1.1 Psoriatic Ar...
OTEZLA XR Patents & Exclusivity
Patents (9 active)
Exclusivity
Want competitive intelligence?
See who's developing similar drugs and track their progress
Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.