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PsoriasisFebruary 2025Summary reviewed August 2026

A Daily Pill Reduced Joint Inflammation in 66% of Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

Patients with psoriatic arthritis took apremilast twice daily for six months. MRI scans showed the treatment reduced swelling and inflammation in their hand joints and throughout the body. Two-thirds of patients completed the full year of treatment.

What the trial was testing

The MOSAIC enrolled 123 patients with psoriasis. The study was sponsored by Amgen and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was long-term safety (phase 4). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

Apremilast reduced joint inflammation on MRI scans, and 66% of patients stayed on the treatment for a full year.

The Lancet. Rheumatology · 2025 · NCT03783026

These findings — that completed a full year of treatment — were published in the The Lancet. Rheumatology and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 123 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with psoriasis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This treatment is already FDA-approved for psoriatic arthritis. If you have joint pain and swelling from psoriasis, this pill might help reduce inflammation throughout your body. Ask your doctor if apremilast could work for you, especially if you haven't responded well to other treatments.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.