INTRODUCTION: Apremilast is an orally available small molecule that targets 
PDE4. PDE4 modulates intracellular signaling and thereby can impact various 
proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Apremilast has been approved by 
the USA FDA for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and 
moderate-to-severe psoriasis (PsO). Although there are several therapies 
approved and used for the treatment of PsA, there is still an unmet need for 
additional effective and well-tolerated therapeutic options. In PsA clinical 
trials, apremilast has been shown to be efficacious and to have an acceptable 
safety profile.
AREAS COVERED: This review article covers the mechanism of action of apremilast, 
its efficacy in clinical trials and a detailed focus on its safety profile, 
mainly from Phase III clinical trials.
EXPERT OPINION: Based on the available literature, apremilast has proven to be 
an efficacious therapy for PsA and PsO. It may offer some advantage as compared 
to other therapeutic options given its favorable safety profile, including a 
lack of need for routine laboratory monitoring.