Apremilast (Otezla(®)), an oral small molecule inhibitor of type-4 cyclic 
nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE-4), is under development with Celgene 
Corporation for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing 
spondylitis, Behçet's syndrome, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. 
Apremilast is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in 
adults. Apremilast has received its first global approval for this indication in 
the USA. Regulatory submissions for approval in this indication are under review 
in Canada and Europe. Regulatory filings have also been submitted for apremilast 
in the treatment of plaque psoriasis in the USA and Europe. This article 
summarizes the milestones in the development of apremilast leading to its first 
approval for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.