Apremilast in Combination With Clobetasol Spray for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
Phase: PHASE4
Conditions: Psoriasis
Sponsor: Washington Dermatology Center

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Apremilast in Combination with Clobetasol Spray for the 
Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis 
 
 
 
INVESTIGATIONAL PRODUCT (IP): Apremilast and Clobetasol 0.05% spray 
  
PROTOCOL NUMBER: 
 
DATE FINAL: 
 
EudraCT NUMBER: 
 
IND NUMBER: 
 
SPONSOR NAME / ADDRESS: Ronald Prussick, MD / 6163 Executive Blvd Rockville, MD 
20854 
 
 

 
 
MEDICAL MONITOR / EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION 
 
 
 
Name: 
Ronald Prussick, MD 
Title: 
Principal Investigator/Sponsor Investigator 
Address: 
6163 Executive Blvd 
Rockville, MD 
20854 
Phone: 
301-984-3000 
E-mail: 
drprussick@aol.com 
 
 
 

 
 
PROTOCOL SUMMARY 
 
Study Title - Apremilast in Combination with Clobetasol spray for the treatment of plaque 
psoriasis of the body with or without scalp involvement 
 
Indication – Apremilast is indicated for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque 
psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy 
 
Objectives 
 
Primary Objective – Assessing the efficacy of combining Clobetasol spray with apremilast for the 
treatment of plaque psoriasis of the body with or without scalp  
 
Secondary Objectives – Assessing the safety and quality of life in patients treated with Clobetasol 
spray and apremilast for the treatment of plaque psoriasis of the body with or without scalp  
 
Study Design 
 
Study Population- Adults 18 years and older with plaque psoriasis with at least 10% BSA 
involving the body with or without scalp lesions 
 
Length of Study – 16 weeks 
 
Study Treatments – Clobetasol is a superpotent topical corticosteroid. Many patients who use this 
may develop a rebound if stopped suddenly1. Therefore, in this study the drug will be slowly 
tapered over 6 weeks. Patients with plaque psoriasis on the body with or without scalp involvement 
(not solely face/folds/hands/feet) begin apremilast at the approved psoriasis dosage. Patients will 
also begin clobetasol spray 0.05% to affected plaques bid for 2 weeks, then qday for 2 weeks the 
qod for 2 weeks then stop clobetasol but continue apremilast for a total of 16 weeks. 
 
Overview of Efficacy Assessments – Patients will have BSA x PGA and PASI 75 scores 
measured at baseline then at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. We will also record pruritus VAS and 
TSQM version II at all visits. If scalp involvement, we will also report scalp PGA 
 
Primary Clinical Assessment- Proportion of patients achieving PASI 75 at Week 16 from 
baseline 
 
Additional Clinical Assessments – Adverse Events (AE), Scalp PGA, Pruritus VAS, TSQM 
version II.   Clinical Benefit, mean percent change from baseline in BSA x PGA at Week 16 
 
Overview of Safety Assessments – Follow up visits initially then at 2,4,6,8 and 12 and 16 weeks. 

 
 
1. 
INTRODUCTION 
 
Approximately 30% of patients with psoriasis vulgaris achieve PASI 75 reduction at 16 weeks 
with oral apremilast.  In a study using clobetasol spray as monotherapy twice daily for 4 weeks, 
35.7% achieved clearance and 37.3% were almost clear.  Potent topical steroids have the potential 
for adrenal suppression and skin atrophy with long-term use.  For these reasons, they are ideal for 
inducing remission but not long-term use2.  The combination of clobetasol spray to induce rapid 
response with apremilast as a long-term treatment to maintain response may be a good treatment 
regimen. 
 
1.1. 
Rationale for Dose Chosen 
 
Apremilast dose as per FDA approval. Clobetasol spray given a slow taper over 6 weeks to reduce 
chance of skin flare.  
 
1.2. 
Relevant Reference and Background: 
 
In a survey conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation from 2003-2011, 52.3% of patients 
reported dissatisfaction with their psoriasis treatments due to concerns about safety, tolerability 
or lack of efficacy2.  
 
The efficacy and safety of Apremilast was reported in 2 multicenter randomized, placebo-
controlled phase 3 studies (ESTEEM 1 and ESTEEM 2).  Apremilast demonstrated a significant 
increase in the proportion of patients achieving a PASI-75 response at week 16 in ESTEEM 1 
(33.1% vs 5.3% in placebo) and in ESTEEM 2 (28.8% vs 5.8%)3.  
 
Clobetasol 0.05% spray was found to be safe and effective in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis 
when used bid for 4 weeks in a single center, randomized, double blind study4.  
 
2. 
STUDY OBJECTIVES 
 
2.1. 
Primary Objective 
 
Proportion of patients achieving PASI (Psoriasis area and Severity Index) 75 at Week 16 from 
baseline. 
 
2.2. 
Secondary Objectives 
 
Adverse Events (AE), proportion of patients with scalp psoriasis with improvement of ScPGA 
scores to 0 and 1 at Week 16, change from baseline in Pruritus VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) at 
Week 16, TSQM (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication) Version II.  Clinical 
Benefit, mean percent change from baseline in BSA (Body Surface Area) x PGA (Physician 
Global Assessment) at Week 16.

 
 
3. 
OVERALL STUDY DESIGN 
 
Open label, pilot trial with 20 patients with psoriasis vulgaris involving the body with or without 
scalp plaques 
 
The study is designed as a 16-week study and consists of 8 visits as described in the table of events.   
 
Screening 
To reduce risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, titrate to recommended dose of 30 mg BID according 
to the following schedule: 
 Day 1: 10 mg in morning 
 Day 2: 10 mg in morning and 10 mg in evening 
 Day 3: 10 mg in morning and 20 mg in evening 
 Day 4: 20 mg in morning and 20 mg in evening 
 Day 5: 20 mg in morning and 30 mg in evening 
 Day 6 and thereafter: 30 mg twice daily  
 
Weeks 0-2 
Patients will receive apremilast 30 mg BID and clobetasol spray 0.05% to affected plaques BID for 
2 weeks. The first week of IP dosing will consist of apremilast dose-titration card.  
 
Weeks 2-4 
Patients will receive apremilast 30 mg BID and clobetasol spray 0.05% to affected plaques once 
daily for 2 weeks 
 
Weeks 4-6 
Patients will receive apremilast 30 mg BID and clobetasol spray 0.05% to affected plaques every 
other day for 2 weeks, then stop clobetasol spray 0.05% 
 
Weeks 6-16 
Patients will continue to receive apremilast 30 mg BID 
 
3.1. 
Data and Safety Monitoring Plan 
 
Study Design Rationale 
 
Approximately 30% of patients with psoriasis vulgaris achieve PASI 75 reduction at 16 weeks with 
oral apremilast. In a study using clobetasol spray 0.05% as monotherapy twice daily for 4 weeks, 
35.7% achieved clearance and 37.3% were almost clear2. Potent topical steroids have the potential 
for adrenal suppression and skin atrophy with long-term use. For these reasons they are ideal for 
inducing remisssion but not long-term use. The combination of clobetasol spray to induce rapid 
response with apremilast as a long-term treatment to maintain response may be a good treatment 
regimen. 
 
3.2. 
Study Duration- 16 weeks 

 
 
4. 
TABLE OF EVENTS 
 
a Discontinue clobetasol spray 0.05% at Week 6 
 
Screening 
Baseline 
Apremilast Treatment 
Visit 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
Week 
Up to 7 days 
0 
2 
4 
6 
8 12 
16 
Informed Consent 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical and Disease History 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Height 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
  Weight 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
  Sex 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Race 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior/Concurrent Medications/Therapies 
x 
x 
x 
x 
xa 
x 
x 
x 
Safety Assessments 
Pregnancy Test and Contraception Education for Females of Child- bearing Potential 
(FCBP) 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
Psoriasis Flare or Rebound Assessment 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Adverse Events 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Clinical Efficacy Assessments 
BSAxPGA 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
PASI 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Pruritus VAS 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Scalp PGA 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
TSQM version II 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Investigational Product Dosing 
Dispense IP 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Return IP tablets, Count for Compliance 
 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 

 
 
5. 
PROCEDURES 
 
The following procedures will be conducted as outlined in the Table of Events. 
 
Informed Consent 
 
An Informed Consent Document will be signed by the subject before any study-related assessments 
are performed. 
 
Contraception Education 
 
The risks to a fetus or to a nursing child from apremilast are not known at this time.  Results of the 
animal and in vitro studies can be found in the IB. 
All females of childbearing potential (FCBP) must use one of the approved contraceptive options 
as described in section 4.2 while on investigational product and for at least 28 days after 
administration of the last dose of the investigational product. 
When a female subject of childbearing potential’s contraceptive measures or ability to become 
pregnant changes at the time of study entry or at any time during the study, the Sponsor 
Investigator will educate the subject regarding options and correct and consistent use of effective 
contraceptive methods in order to successfully prevent pregnancy. 
 
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria 
 
Subjects must meet all inclusion criteria and must not have any of the conditions specified in the 
exclusion criteria to qualify for participation in the study. The subject’s source documents must 
support his/her qualifications for the study (e.g., if a female subject does not require pregnancy 
testing and birth control because of a hysterectomy, the date of the hysterectomy must be included 
in the medical history). 
 
Medical and Disease History 
 
Relevant medical history should be recorded, including smoking and alcohol history, as well as 
previous relevant surgeries.  Disease history includes history of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and 
chronic infections. 
 
Prior/Concurrent Medications and Therapies 
 
All medications and therapies being taken/used by the subject at the time of consent or at any time 
during the study will be recorded.  Other key medications and therapies will be recorded.   
 
Safety Assessments 
 
The following assessments will be conducted as outlined in the Table of Events. 
 
 

 
 
Psoriasis Flare and Rebound Assessments 
 
Psoriasis flare is an AE (and will be recorded as an AE) and represents an atypical or unusual 
worsening of disease during treatment.  It is defined as a sudden intensification of psoriasis 
requiring medical intervention or a diagnosis of new generalized erythrodermic, inflammatory, 
or pustular psoriasis.  A more typical, gradual worsening of plaque psoriasis would not be 
recorded as an AE.5 
 
Rebound is an AE and is defined as a severe and sudden worsening of disease that occurs after 
treatment has been discontinued.  This exacerbation is characterized by a PASI ≥ 125% of 
baseline or a new generalized pustular, erythrodermic or more inflammatory psoriasis after 
stopping therapy6. 
 
Adverse Events 
 
Details of AE reporting may be found in Section 10. 
 
Clinical Efficacy Assessments 
 
The following assessments will be conducted as outlined in the Table of Events, Table 1. 
 
Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 
 
PASI will be determined for all subjects throughout the study.   
 
The PASI is a measure of psoriatic disease severity taking into account qualitative lesion 
characteristics (erythema, thickness, and scaling) and degree of skin surface area involvement on 
defined anatomical regions.  The PASI is a validated instrument that has become standard in 
clinical trials for psoriasis. 
 
Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores range from 0 to 72, with higher scores reflecting greater 
disease severity.7  Erythema, thickness, and scaling are scored on a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (very 
severe) on 4 anatomic regions of the body: head, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs.  Degree of 
involvement on each of the 4 anatomic regions is scored on a scale of 0 (no involvement) to 6 (90% 
to 100% involvement).  The total qualitative score (sum of erythema, thickness, and scaling scores) 
is multiplied by the degree of involvement for each anatomic region and then multiplied by a 
constant. These values for each anatomic region are summed to yield the PASI score. 
 
Body Surface Area (BSA) x Physician Global Assessment (PGA) 
 
BSA is determined by calculating the number of palms of psoriasis on the scalp and body.  One 
palm of psoriasis represents 1% BSA.  PGA is a 5-point scale from 0 (clear) to 4 (severe). 
 
Scalp Physician Global Assessment (ScPGA) 
 
ScPGA will assess scalp involvement, if present at baseline. ScPGA is a 6-point scale from 0 
(clear) to 5 (very severe). 

 
 
 
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Assessments  
 
The following assessments will be conducted as outlined in the Table of Events. 
 
Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Assessment 
 
The subject will be asked to place a vertical stroke on a 100 mm VAS on which the left-hand 
boundary represents no itch, and the right-hand boundary represents itch as severe as can be 
imagined.  The distance from the mark to the left-hand boundary will be recorded. 
 
TSQM Version II 
The subject will fill out a treatment satisfaction survey consisting of 11 questions on each visit.  

 
† A female of childbearing potential is a sexually mature female who 1) has not undergone a hysterectomy (the 
surgical removal of the uterus) or bilateral oophorectomy (the surgical removal of both ovaries) or 2) has not been 
postmenopausal for at least 24 consecutive months (that is, has had menses at any time during the preceding 24 
consecutive months). 
§ The female subject’s chosen form of contraception must be effective by the time the female subject is enrolled into 
the study (for example, hormonal contraception should be initiated at least 28 days before baseline). 
6. 
STUDY POPULATION 
 
6.1. 
Number of Subjects and Sites 
 
One site and 20 patients 
 
6.2. 
Inclusion Criteria 
 
Subjects must satisfy the following criteria to be enrolled in the study: 
1. Must be in general good health (except for disease under study) as judged by the Sponsor 
Investigator, based on medical history, and physical examination. (NOTE: The definition of 
good health means a subject does not have uncontrolled significant co-morbid conditions).   
2. Females of childbearing potential (FCBP)† must have a negative pregnancy test at 
Screening and Baseline.   
Option 1:  Any one of the following highly effective methods:  hormonal contraception 
(oral, injection, implant, transdermal patch, vaginal ring); intrauterine device (IUD); tubal 
ligation; or partner’s vasectomy; 
OR 
Option 2:  Male or female condom (latex condom or nonlatex condom NOT made out of 
natural [animal] membrane [for example, polyurethane]; PLUS one additional barrier 
method: (a) diaphragm with spermicide; (b) cervical cap with spermicide; or (c) 
contraceptive sponge with spermicide 
 
3. Plaque psoriasis with at least 10% BSA involving the body with or without scalp lesions in 
adults aged 18 years and older. 

 
 
 
6.3. 
Exclusion Criteria 
 
The presence of any of the following will exclude a subject from enrollment: 
1. Other than disease under study, any clinically significant (as determined by the Sponsor 
Investigator) cardiac, endocrinologic, pulmonary, neurologic, psychiatric, hepatic, renal, 
hematologic, immunologic disease, or other major disease that is currently uncontrolled. 
2. Any condition which would place the subject at unacceptable risk if he/she were to 
participate in the study. 
3. Prior history of suicide attempt at any time in the subject’s life time prior to screening or 
baseline, or major psychiatric illness requiring hospitalization within the last 3 years. 
4. Pregnant or breast feeding.  
5. Active substance abuse or a history of substance abuse within 6 months prior to Screening. 
6. Malignancy or history of malignancy, except for: 
a. treated [ie, cured] basal cell or squamous cell in situ skin carcinomas;  
b. treated [ie, cured] cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or carcinoma in situ of 
cervix with no evidence of recurrence within the previous 5 years. 
7. Use of any investigational drug within 4 weeks prior to baseline, or 
5 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic half-lives, if known (whichever is longer). 
8. Prior treatment with apremilast. 
9. Concomitant use of drugs that treat psoriasis including but not limited to methotrexate, 
acitretin, cyclosporine within 4 weeks of baseline. 
10. Adalimumab, etanercept, efalizumab, infliximab, or certolizumab pegol within 12 weeks 
prior to baseline. 
11. Alefacept, briakinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab or ustekinumab within 24 weeks prior to 
baseline.  
12. Use of phototherapy within 4 weeks prior to baseline (i.e., UVB, PUVA) 
13. Plaque-type psoriasis with BSA<10% 
14. Psoriasis predominantly involving the face or folds (groin or axilla) 
15. Psoriasis only of the palms/soles, pustular or other forms of psoriasis 
16. Concurrent skin or systemic infection 
17. History of intolerance to topical steroids or apremilast.  
18. Topical therapy within 2 weeks of baseline (including but not limited to topical 
corticosteroids, topical retinoids or vitamin D analog preparations, tacrolimus, 
pimecrolimus, or anthralin/dithranol). Exceptions: Clobetasol Spray 0.05%. 
 
7. 
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY TREATMENTS 
 
7.1.1. 
Treatment Administration and Schedule 
 
Otezla is given as an initial 5-day titration schedule starting at 10 mg on day 1, 10 mg BID on day 
2, 10 mg qam and 20 mg qhs day 3, 20 mg BID day 4, 20 mg qam and 30 mg qhs day 5.  At and 
after day 6 the dose is 30mg BID. 
 
Clobetasol 0.05% spray is applied to plaques on body and scalp, but not face and folds, BID for 2 
weeks.  Then qd for 2 weeks then qod for 2 weeks. 

 
 
7.1.2. 
Packaging and Labeling 
 
Tablets 
 
The label(s) for Otezla will include drug name, dosage form and strength (where applicable), 
amount of Otezla per container, lot number, expiry date (where applicable), dosing instructions, 
storage conditions, and required caution statements and/or regulatory statements as applicable.  
Additional information may be included on the label as applicable per local regulations. 
 
All apremilast will be supplied by Celgene. 
 
Clobetasol 0.05% spray is supplied in a 120ml bottle with spray pump.  
 
7.1.3. 
Product Accountability and Disposal 
 
The Sponsor Investigator, or designee, is responsible for taking an inventory of each shipment of 
Otezla received, and comparing it with the accompanying Otezla shipping order/packing list. The 
Sponsor Investigator, or designee, will verify the accuracy of the information on the form, sign and 
date it, retain a copy in the study file, and return a copy to Celgene.  
 
 
The Sponsor Investigator, or designee, is responsible for taking an inventory of each shipment of 
clobetasol 0.05% spray received.  Disposal and /or destruction will be performed by the Sponsor or 
designee. 
 
Investigational product will be stored per the storage conditions identified on drug label. At the 
study site, all Otezla and clobetasol 0.05% spray bottles will be stored in a locked, safe area to 
prevent unauthorized access. 
 
Celgene will instruct the Sponsor Investigator on the return, disposal and/or destruction of Otezla if 
applicable.  
 
7.1.4. 
Investigational Product Compliance 
 
Study personnel will review the instructions printed on the package with the study subjects prior 
to dispensing Otezla and clobetasol spray. The subjects will be instructed to return the Otezla 
containers and clobetasol spray bottles, including any unused medication, to the study site at each 
visit for tablet counts and reconciliation.  Subjects will be asked whether they have taken their 
Otezla and clobetasol spray as instructed at each study visit.  Any problems with compliance will 
be reviewed with the subject.  
 
 

 
 
8. 
CONCOMITANT MEDICATIONS AND PROCEDURES 
 
8.1. 
Permitted Concomitant Medications and Procedures 
 
Subjects may take any medication that is not restricted by the protocol and would not be 
expected to interfere with the conduct of the study or affect assessments.  Chronic medication 
should be dosed on a stable regimen. 
 
All medications (prescription and non-prescription), treatments and therapies taken by the 
subject from screening throughout their entire participation in the study, including those 
initiated prior to the start of the study, must be recorded on the subject’s source document and 
on the appropriate page of the CRF.  The dose, unit, frequency, route, indication, the date the 
medication was started and the date the medication was stopped (if not ongoing) must be 
recorded. The recording of any permitted topical medications taken for psoriasis should also 
include the area of the body to which they are applied. 
 
The following topical therapies will be permitted: 
 Unmedicated skin moisturizer (e.g., Eucerin or Cetaphil) permitted for body lesions 
only  
 
8.2. 
Prohibited Concomitant Medications and Procedures 
 
The following psoriasis medications cannot be administered for the duration of the study:  
 Topical corticosteroids, except for study drug, Clobetasol Spray 0.05% 
 Phototherapy 
 Oral systemic drugs for psoriasis including: methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin 
 Biologics treatments for psoriasis: adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, 
secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab 
 
8.3. 
Required Concomitant Medications and Procedures 
 
Clobetasol spray 0.05% spray is applied to plaques on body and scalp, but not face and folds, BID 
for 2 weeks.  Then qd for 2 weeks then qod for 2 weeks 
 

 
 
9. 
STATISTICAL ANALYSES 
 
9.1. 
Overview 
 
We will report the number of patients who achieve a clinical response to the primary and 
secondary objectives as outlined. 
 
9.2. 
Sample Size 
 
The proposed sample size is based on clinical setting, practice size, number of patients able to be 
included within the 1-year time period. Approximately 20 patients will be enrolled into the study.  
 
9.3. 
Background and Demographic Characteristics 
 
Patients’ age, weight, height and other continuous demographic and baseline characteristics will 
be summarized using descriptive statistics (n, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and 
maximum), while gender, race and other categorical variables will be summarized.  Medical 
history data will be summarized using frequency tabulations. 
 
9.4. 
Subject Disposition 
 
Patient disposition (analysis population allocation, entered, completed, discontinued, along with 
primary reason for discontinuation) will be summarized using frequency and percent by phase.  
 
9.5. 
Efficacy Evaluation  
 
Efficacy analysis will be based on all patients enrolled as specified in the protocol. Responders are 
those who achieve at least a PASI-75 at Week 16; non-responders are defined as those who do not 
achieve a PASI-75 at Week 16 and/or those who have missing data at any time point during the 
study.  
 
The proportion of patients who achieve at least a PASI-75 at Week 16 (responders) reference to the 
baseline, proportion of patients with scalp psoriasis with improvement of ScPGA scores to 0 and 1 
at Week 16, change from baseline in Pruritus VAS at Week 16, mean percent change from baseline 
in BSA x PGA at Week 16 will be summarized using descriptive summary statistics for continuous 
variables, while frequency and percentages will be provided for discrete variables 
 
10. 
ADVERSE EVENTS 
 
10.1. 
Monitoring, Recording and Reporting of Adverse Events 
 
An adverse event (AE) is any noxious, unintended, or untoward medical occurrence that may 
appear or worsen in a subject during the course of a study.  It may be a new intercurrent illness, a 
worsening concomitant illness, an injury, or any concomitant impairment of the subject’s health, 
including laboratory test values (as specified by the criteria below), regardless of etiology.  Any 

 
 
worsening (i.e., any clinically significant adverse change in the frequency or intensity of a pre- 
existing condition) should be considered an AE.  A diagnosis or syndrome should be recorded on 
the AE page of the CRF rather than the individual signs or symptoms of the diagnosis or 
syndrome. 
 
All AEs will be recorded by the Sponsor Investigator(s) from the time of signing the informed 
consent through the end of the designated follow-up period. 
 
All subjects will be monitored for AEs during the study.  Assessments may include monitoring of 
any or all of the following parameters:  the subject’s clinical symptoms, laboratory, pathological, 
radiological or surgical findings, physical examination findings, or other appropriate tests and 
procedures. 
 
10.2. 
Evaluation of Adverse Events 
 
A qualified Sponsor Investigator will evaluate all adverse events as to: 
 
10.2.1. 
Seriousness 
 
A serious adverse event (SAE) is any AE occurring at any dose that: 
 
 Results in death; 
 
 Is life-threatening (ie, in the opinion of the Sponsor Investigator, the subject is at 
immediate risk of death from the AE); 
 
 Requires inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization 
(hospitalization is defined as an inpatient admission, regardless of length of stay); 
 
 Results in persistent or significant disability/incapacity (a substantial disruption of the 
subject’s ability to conduct normal life functions); 
 Is a congenital anomaly/birth defect; 
 
 Constitutes an important medical event. 
 
Important medical events are defined as those occurrences that may not be immediately life 
threatening or result in death, hospitalization, or disability, but may jeopardize the subject or 
require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the other outcomes listed above. 
Medical and scientific judgment should be exercised in deciding whether such an AE should be 
considered serious. 
 
Events not considered to be SAEs are hospitalizations which: were planned before entry into the 
clinical study; are for elective treatment of a condition unrelated to the studied indication or its 
treatment; occur on an emergency outpatient basis and do not result in admission (unless fulfilling 
other criteria above); are part of the normal treatment or monitoring of the studied indication and 
are not associated with any deterioration in condition. 
 
If an AE is considered serious, both the AE page/screen of the CRF and the SAE Report Form 
must be completed. 
 

 
 
For each SAE, the Sponsor Investigator will provide information on severity, start and stop 
dates, relationship to IP, action taken regarding IP, and outcome. 
 
10.2.2. 
Severity / Intensity 
 
For both AEs and SAEs, the Sponsor investigator(s) must assess the severity of the event. The AEs 
will be evaluated for severity according to the following scale: 
 
Grade 1 = Mild 
 
Grade 2 = Moderate 
 
Grade 3 = Severe 
 
10.2.3. 
Causality 
 
The Sponsor Investigator must determine the relationship between the administration of IP and the 
occurrence of an AE/SAE as Not Suspected or Suspected as defined below: 
 
Not suspected: 
The temporal relationship of the adverse event to IP 
administration makes a causal relationship unlikely or 
remote, or other medications, therapeutic interventions, or 
underlying conditions provide a sufficient explanation for the 
observed event. 
 
Suspected: 
The temporal relationship of the adverse event to IP 
administration makes a causal relationship possible, and other 
medications, therapeutic interventions, or underlying conditions 
do not provide a sufficient explanation for the observed event. 
 
10.2.4. 
Duration 
 
For both AEs and SAEs, the Sponsor Investigator will provide a record of the start and stop dates 
of the event. 
 
10.3. 
Action Taken 
 
The Sponsor Investigator will report the action taken with Otezla and Clobetasol spray as a 
result of an AE or SAE, as applicable (e.g., discontinuation of IP, as appropriate) and report if 
concomitant and/or additional treatments were given for the event.  
 
10.4. 
Outcome 
 
All SAEs that have not resolved upon discontinuation of the subject’s participation in the study 
must be followed until recovered, recovered with sequelae, not recovered (death due to another 
cause), or death (due to the SAE). 
 
 

 
 
10.5. 
Overdose 
 
Abuse, withdrawal, sensitivity, or toxicity to an investigational product should be reported as an 
AE. Overdose, accidental or intentional, whether or not it is associated with an AE should be 
reported as an AE.  Any sequela of an accidental or intentional overdose of an investigational 
product should be reported as an AE. 
 
If the sequela of an overdose is an SAE, then the sequela must be reported on 
an SAE report form. The overdose resulting in the SAE should be identified as the cause of the 
event on the SAE report form but should not be reported as an SAE itself. 
 
In the event of an overdose, the subject should be monitored as appropriate and should receive 
supportive measures as necessary. There is no known specific antidote for apremilast overdose. 
Actual treatment should depend on the severity of the clinical situation and the judgment and 
experience of the treating physician. 
 
Overdose for this protocol, on a per dose basis, is defined as ingestion of any more than the amount 
prescribed of apremilast tablets in any 24-hour period whether by accident or intentionally.  
 
10.6. 
Reporting of Serious Adverse Events 
 
Any AE that meets the any criterion for a SAE requires the completion of an SAE Report Form in 
addition to being recorded on the AE pages of the CRF.  The Sponsor Investigator(s) is required to 
ensure that the data on these forms is accurate and consistent.  This applies to all SAEs, regardless 
of relationship to study drug, that occur during the study, those made known to the Sponsor 
Investigator(s) within 30 days after a subject’s last dose of study drug, and those made known to 
the Sponsor investigator(s) at any time that are suspected of being related to study drug. 
 
The SAE will be reported to the manufacturer of Clobetasol spray. 
 
The SAE must be reported immediately (i.e., within 24 hours of the Sponsor Investigators’ 
knowledge of the event) to Celgene Safety by facsimile.  A written report (prepared by the Sponsor 
Investigator(s) using an SAE Report Form or a 3500A Medwatch form is to be faxed to Safety (see 
below for contact information). 
 
Celgene Drug Safety Contact Information: 
Celgene Corporation      
Global Drug Safety and Risk Management    
86 Morris Ave.  
Summit, NJ  07901       
Fax: (908) 673-9115 
E-mail: drugsafety@celgene.com 
 
The SAE report should provide a detailed description of the SAE.  If a subject has died and an 
autopsy has been performed, copies of the autopsy report and death certificate are to be sent to 
Celgene as soon as these become available.  Any follow-up data will be detailed in a subsequent 
SAE Report Form or Medwatch form and sent to Celgene. 

 
 
 
The Sponsor Investigator(s) is responsible for informing the Institutional Review Board/Ethics 
Committee (IRB/IEC) of the SAE and providing them with all relevant initial and follow-up 
information about the event. The Sponsor Investigator(s) must keep copies of all SAE information, 
including correspondence with Celgene and the IRB/IEC, on file.  All SAEs that have not resolved 
upon discontinuation of the subject’s participation in the study must be followed until either the 
event resolves completely, stabilizes/resolves with sequelae, or returns to baseline (if a baseline 
value is available). 
 
10.7. 
Expedited Reporting of Adverse Events 
 
For the purpose of regulatory reporting, Celgene Drug Safety will determine the expectedness of 
events suspected of being related to apremilast based on the Sponsor Investigator’s Brochure.   
 
Celgene or its authorized representative shall notify the Sponsor Investigator of the following 
information: 
 
 Any AE associated with the use of Otezla in this study or in other studies that is 
both serious and unexpected (ie, SUSAR); 
 
 Any finding from tests in laboratory animals that suggests a significant risk for 
human subjects including reports of mutagenicity, teratogenicity, or carcinogenicity. 
 
Where required by local legislation, the Sponsor Investigator shall notify his/her IRB/EC 
promptly of these new serious and unexpected AE(s) or significant risks to subjects. 
 
The Sponsor Investigator must keep copies of all pertinent safety information on file 
including correspondence with Celgene and the IRB/EC, (see Section 14.2 for record 
retention information). 
 
Please refer to the Serious Adverse Event Report Form / Completion Guidelines or to the 
Pregnancy Report Form / Completion Guidelines 
 
Pregnancies and suspected pregnancies (including a positive pregnancy test regardless of age 
or disease state) of a female subject or the female partner of a male subject occurring while 
the subject is on study drug, or within 30 days of the subject’s last dose of study drug, are 
considered immediately reportable events.  Study drug is to be discontinued immediately and 
the subject instructed to return any unused portion of the study drug to the Sponsor 
Investigator(s).  The pregnancy, suspected pregnancy, or positive pregnancy test must be 
reported to Celgene Safety immediately facsimile using the Pregnancy Report form provided 
by Celgene. 
 
The female should be referred to an obstetrician-gynecologist experienced in reproductive 
toxicity for further evaluation and counseling. 
 
The Sponsor Investigator(s) will follow the female subject until completion of the pregnancy, 
and must notify Celgene Safety of the outcome of the pregnancy as a follow-up on the follow 
up Pregnancy Reporting form. 

 
 
 
If the outcome of the pregnancy meets the criteria for immediate classification as a SAE (i.e., 
spontaneous or therapeutic abortion [any congenital anomaly detected in an aborted fetus is to 
be documented], stillbirth, neonatal death, or congenital anomaly [including that in an aborted 
fetus]), the Sponsor Investigator(s) should follow the procedures for reporting SAEs (i.e., 
report the event to Celgene Safety by facsimile within 24 hours of the Sponsor Investigator’s 
knowledge of the event). 
 
In the case of a live “normal” birth, Celgene Safety should be advised by facsimile within 24 
hours of the Sponsor Investigator’s knowledge of the event. 
 
All neonatal deaths that occur within 30 days of birth should be reported, without regard to 
causality, as SAEs.  In addition, any infant death after 30 days that the Sponsor Investigator(s) 
suspects is related to the in utero exposure to the study drug should also be reported to 
Celgene Safety by facsimile within 24 hours of the Sponsor Investigators’ knowledge of the 
event. If the female is found not to be pregnant, any determination regarding the subject’s 
continued participation in the study will be determined by the Sponsor Investigator. 
 
If a female partner of a male subject taking IP becomes pregnant, the male subject taking IP 
should notify the Sponsor Investigator, and the pregnant female partner should be advised to 
call their healthcare provider immediately. 

 
 
11. 
DISCONTINUATIONS 
 
The following events are considered sufficient reasons for discontinuing a subject from the 
investigational product and/or from the study: 
 Adverse event(s) 
 Lack of efficacy 
 Non-compliance with study drug 
 Withdrew consent 
 Study terminated by PI/Sponsor 
 Lost to follow-up 
 Death 
 Protocol violation 
 Other 
The reason for discontinuation should be recorded in the CRF and in the source documents. 
 
12. 
REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS 
 
12.1. 
Good Clinical Practice 
 
The procedures set out in this study protocol pertaining to the conduct, evaluation, and 
documentation of this study are designed to ensure that the Sponsor Investigator abides by Good 
Clinical Practice (GCP), as described in International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) 
Guideline E6 and in accordance with the general ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of 
Helsinki.  The study will receive approval from an IRB/EC prior to commencement.  The 
Sponsor Investigator will conduct all aspects of this study in accordance with applicable national, 
state, and local laws of the pertinent regulatory authorities. 
 
12.2. 
Sponsor-Investigator Responsibilities 
 
Sponsor Investigator responsibilities are set out in the ICH Guideline for Good Clinical Practice 
and in the local regulations. 
 
The Sponsor Investigator should ensure that all persons assisting with the study are adequately 
informed about the protocol, amendments, study treatments, as well as study-related duties and 
functions. The Sponsor Investigator should maintain a list of Sub-investigators and other 
appropriately qualified persons to whom he or she has delegated significant study-related duties. 
 
The Sponsor Investigator is responsible for keeping a record of all subjects who sign an informed 
consent document and are screened for entry into the study.  Subjects who fail screening must 
have the reason(s) recorded in the subject’s source documents. 
 
 

 
 
12.3. 
Subject Information and Informed Consent 
 
The Sponsor Investigator must obtain informed consent of a legal representative prior to any study 
related procedures. 
 
Documentation that informed consent occurred prior to the study subject’s entry into the study and 
of the informed consent process should be recorded in the study subject’s source documents 
including the date.  The original informed consent document signed and dated by the study subject 
and by the person consenting the study subject prior to the study subject’s entry into the study, 
must be maintained in the Sponsor Investigator’s study files and a copy given to the study subject. 
In addition, if a protocol is amended and it impacts on the content of the informed consent, the 
informed consent document must be revised.  Study subjects participating in the study when the 
amended protocol is implemented must be re-consented with the revised version of the informed 
consent document.  The revised informed consent document signed and dated by the study subject 
and by the person consenting the study subject must be maintained in the Sponsor Investigator’s 
study files and a copy given to the study subject. 
 
12.4. 
Confidentiality 
 
Sponsor-investigator affirms the subject's right to protection against invasion of privacy and to be 
in compliance with ICH and other local regulations (whichever is most stringent).   
 
Should direct access to medical records require a waiver or authorization separate from the 
subject’s signed informed consent document, it is the responsibility of the Sponsor Investigator to 
obtain such permission in writing from the appropriate individual. 
 
12.5. 
Protocol Amendments 
 
Any amendment to this protocol must be approved by Celgene prior to IRB submission.  
Amendments will be submitted to the IRB/EC for written approval. Written approval must be 
obtained before implementation of the amended version occurs.  The written signed approval from 
the IRB/EC should specifically reference the Sponsor Investigator name, protocol number, study 
title and amendment number(s) that is applicable. 
 
12.6. 
Closure of the Study 
 
Celgene reserves the right to terminate support of this study at any time for reasonable medical or 
administrative reasons.  Any premature discontinuation will be appropriately documented 
according to local requirements (e.g., IRB/EC, regulatory authorities, etc…). 
 
13. 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORDKEEPING 
 
13.1. 
Data/Documents 
 
The Sponsor Investigator must ensure that the records and documents pertaining to the conduct 
of the study and the distribution of the investigational product are complete, accurate, filed and 

 
 
retained.  Examples of source documents include: hospital records; clinic and office charts; 
laboratory notes; memoranda; subject’s diaries or evaluation checklists; dispensing records; 
recorded data from automated instruments; copies or transcriptions certified after verification as 
being accurate copies; microfiche; x-ray film and reports; and records kept at the pharmacy, and 
the laboratories, as well as copies of CRFs or CD-ROM. 
 
14. 
QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE 
 
All aspects of the study will be carefully monitored by the Sponsor-investigator for compliance 
with applicable government regulations with respect to current GCP and standard operating 
procedures. 
 
14.1. 
Study Monitoring and Source Data Verification 
 
The Sponsor-investigator ensures that appropriate monitoring procedures are performed before, 
during and after the study.   
 
15. 
REFERENCES 
                                                             
1 Prawer SE. Katz HI.  Guidelines for using superpotent topical steroids.  Am Fam Physician. 
1990;41(5):1531-8. 
 
2 Menter A. Topical monotherapy with clobetasol propionate spray 0.05% in the COBRA trial.  Cutis 
2007;80(5 Suppl):9-12. 
 
3Papp K, et al.  Efficacy of apremilast in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis: A randomized 
controlled trial. Lancet. 2012;380(9843):738-46. 
 
4 Beutner K, et al. An intra-individual randomized safety and efficacy comparison of clobetasol propionate 
0.05% spray and its vehicle in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.  J Drugs in Dermatol 2006; 5(4):357-60. 
 
5 Carey, W., et al., Relapse, rebound, and psoriasis adverse events: an advisory group report. J Am Acad 
Dermatol, 2006. 54(4 Suppl 1): p. S171-81. 
6 Gordon, K., et al., Definitions of measures of effect duration for psoriasis treatments. Arch Dermatol, 
2005. 141(1): p. 82-4. 
7 Fredriksson, T. and U. Pettersson, Severe psoriasis -- oral therapy with a new retinoid. Dermatologica, 
1978. 157: p. 238-244.