Clinical trial NCT03690544
Conditions: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic
Start date: 2018-10-12; Completion date: 2021-07-14
Enrollment: 15 participants; Allocation: NA; Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP

Brief summary:
Determination of treatment efficacy and safety of Apremilast in patients with RAS

Detailed description:
The study will be a pilot study using apremilast 30mg orally twice daily, for treatment of RAS in males and females between 18 and 70 years old.

Subjects will be recruited from the clinical practice of the Department of Dermatology or Division of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic Florida. Fifteen males and females with RAS will be enrolled.

The study will consist of 3 phases: a screening phase, a 16 week treatment phase and an 8 week posttreatment observational follow-up phase.

The screening phase will consist of: obtaining informed consent, demographic information, medical history, inclusion and exclusion criteria, prior and concomitant medication use, adverse events; collecting vital signs and weight; performing complete physical examination and limited physical examination; obtaining hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, pregnancy test and providing contraception education.

During the 16-week treatment phase, all subjects receive apremilast.

All subjects who complete the active treatment phase are to enter the 8-week posttreatment observational follow-up phase.

Arms: arm 1: Apremilast 30mg orally twice daily for 16 weeks, sixteen weeks on active study. Post treatment follow-up period of 8 weeks, in the Treatment of Subjects with Severe Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)
Interventions: intervention 1: Apremilast 30mg
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Apremilast is an oral small-molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 that works intracellularly to modulate a network of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. PDE 4 is a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-specific PDE and the dominant PDE in inflammatory cells. PDE4 inhibition elevates intracellular cAMP levels, which in turn down-regulates the inflammatory response by modulating the expression of TNF-alfa, IL-23, IL-17 and other inflammatory cytokines. Cyclic AMP also modulates levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. Apremilast has immunomodulatory activity and, therefore, has the potential to be effective in the treatment of RAS.

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
 
 
A Pilot Study Evaluating the 
Efficacy of Apremilast in the 
Treatment of Subjects with 
Severe Recurrent Aphthous 
Stomatitis (RAS) 
 
 NCT03690544 
 
11/2/2017 


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Page 1 
 
 
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Apremilast in the Treatment of 
Subjects with Severe Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) 
 
 
 
Principal Investigators: 
 
 
Co-Investigators: 
Alison Bruce, MD 
Kenneth Calamia, MD 
 
Ronald Butendieck, MD 
Thais Pincelli, MD 
 
Funding Source: 
 
Celgene 
 
Study Product: 
Otezla (apremilast) 30mg 
Protocol Number: (IRBe) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Final version:  
 
 
11/02/2017  
 
 


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Table of Contents 
 
 
STUDY SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................ 5 
1 
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 
1.1 
BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................................................. 6 
1.2 
INVESTIGATIONAL AGENT .............................................................................................................................................. 6 
1.3 
CLINICAL DATA TO DATE ............................................................................................................................................... 6 
1.4 
DOSE RATIONALE AND RISK/BENEFITS ............................................................................................................................ 7 
2 
STUDY OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................................... 7 
3 
STUDY DESIGN ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 
3.1 
GENERAL DESIGN.......................................................................................................................................................... 8 
3.2 
PRIMARY STUDY ENDPOINTS .......................................................................................................................................... 8 
3.3 
SECONDARY STUDY ENDPOINTS ..................................................................................................................................... 8 
3.4 
PRIMARY SAFETY ENDPOINTS ........................................................................................................................................ 9 
4 
SUBJECT SELECTION ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWAL .................................................................................. 9 
4.1 
INCLUSION CRITERIA ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 
4.2 
EXCLUSION CRITERIA .................................................................................................................................................... 9 
4.3 
SUBJECT RECRUITMENT, ENROLLMENT AND SCREENING ................................................................................................. 10 
4.4 
EARLY WITHDRAWAL OF SUBJECTS .............................................................................................................................. 11 
4.4.1 
When and How to Withdraw Subjects .................................................................................................................. 11 
4.4.2 
Data Collection and Follow-up for Withdrawn Subjects ........................................................................................ 11 
5 
STUDY DRUG .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 
5.1 
DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 
5.2 
TREATMENT REGIMEN ................................................................................................................................................. 11 
5.3 
METHOD FOR ASSIGNING SUBJECTS TO TREATMENT GROUPS .......................................................................................... 11 
5.4 
PREPARATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF STUDY DRUG ................................................................................................... 11 
5.5 
PRIOR AND CONCOMITANT THERAPY ............................................................................................................................ 12 
6 
STUDY PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................................ 12 
6.1 
MICRONEEDLING AND PRP VS MICRONEEDLING AND...................................................................................................... 12 
7 
STATISTICAL PLAN ................................................................................................................................................... 15 
7.1 
SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION ..................................................................................................................................... 15 
7.2 
STATISTICAL METHODS ............................................................................................................................................... 15 
7.3 
SUBJECT POPULATION(S) FOR ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................... 16 
8 
SAFETY AND ADVERSE EVENTS ............................................................................................................................. 16 
8.1 
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 16 
8.2 
RECORDING OF ADVERSE EVENTS ................................................................................................................................. 18 
8.3 
REPORTING OF SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS AND UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS .................................................................... 18 
8.3.1 
Sponsor-Investigator reporting: notifying the Mayo IRB........................................................................................ 19 
8.4 
STOPPING RULES ......................................................................................................................................................... 19 
8.5 
MEDICAL MONITORING................................................................................................................................................ 19 
9 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING ............................................................................................................ 19 
9.1 
DATA HANDLING ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 
9.2 
CONFIDENTIALITY ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 
9.3 
SOURCE DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................................................. 19 
9.4 
RECORDS RETENTION .................................................................................................................................................. 20 
10 
STUDY MONITORING, AUDITING, AND INSPECTING .......................................................................................... 20 


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10.1 
STUDY MONITORING PLAN ...................................................................................................................................... 20 
10.2 
AUDITING AND INSPECTING...................................................................................................................................... 20 
11 
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 20 
12 
STUDY FINANCES ...................................................................................................................................................... 21 
12.1 
FUNDING SOURCE ................................................................................................................................................... 21 
12.2 
CONFLICT OF INTEREST ........................................................................................................................................... 21 
12.3 
SUBJECT STIPENDS OR PAYMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 21 
13 
PUBLICATION PLAN ................................................................................................................................................. 21 
14 
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................................. 21 
 
 
 
 
 


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List of Abbreviations 
 
 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
 
 
AE 
Adverse Event/Adverse Experience 
 
 
CRF 
Case Report Form 
DSMB 
Data and Safety Monitoring Board 
FDA 
Food and Drug Administration 
GCP 
Good Clinical Practice 
HIPAA 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 
IB 
Investigator’s Brochure 
 
 
IRB 
Institutional Review Board 
 
 
PHI 
Protected Health Information 
PI 
Principal Investigator 
RAS 
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis 
SAE 
Serious Adverse Event/Serious Adverse Experience 
SOP 
Standard Operating Procedure 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Study Summary 
Title 
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Apremilast in the Treatment of 
Subjects with Severe Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) 
 
Running Title 
 A Pilot Study on the use of apremilast for Recurrent Aphthous 
Stomatitis (RAS) 
 
Protocol Number 
N/A 
Phase 
Pilot 
Methodology 
 
Overall Study 
Duration 
24 weeks  
Subject Participation 
Duration 
24 weeks 
Single or Multi-Site  
Single Site 
Objectives 
Determination of treatment efficacy and safety of Apremilast in patients 
with RAS 
Number of Subjects 
15 
Diagnosis and Main 
Inclusion Criteria 
Males and females, between 18 and 70 years old, with Recurrent 
Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) 
Study Product, Dose, 
Route, Regimen 
Apremilast 30mg orally twice daily for 16 weeks 
Treatment duration 
Sixteen weeks on active study. Posttreatment follow-up period of 8 
weeks. 
Statistical 
Methodology 
Wilcoxon signed rank test for comparison of outcomes between 
treatments and McNemar’s exact test for categorical outcome variables 
 
 
 


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1 Introduction 
 
This document is a protocol for a human research study. This study will be carried out in accordance with the 
applicable federal regulations and Mayo Clinic research policies and procedures.  
 
1.1 
Background 
 
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), or canker sores, represents a very common mucosal disorder, occurring in 
men and women of all ages, races and geographic regions and affecting up to 60% of North Americans.1 The 
word ‘aphthous’ originates from the Greek word aphtha referring to an ulcer of the mucosal surface and 
‘stomatitis’ refers to inflammation of the oral mucosa. Patients suffer from simple aphthosis, meaning they 
develop only occasional canker sores a few times per year which are a nuisance, but are not otherwise a difficult 
problem. 
 
However, a subset of individuals with RAS suffer from a severe variant with persistent, refractory ulcers which 
may be present more often than not. This subset of canker sore sufferers tend to have more painful, persistent 
canker sores which may be larger, with multiple lesions occurring synchronously. These ulcers can take several 
weeks to heal, and as one episode resolves, another bout of ulcers develops. Patients often have ulcers present 
more than 50% of the time, and go from one episode of aphthosis into another so that they are seldom ulcer 
free. 
 
Severe RAS (ulcers present more often than not/multiple, large ulcers/present synchronously/ slow to heal) – is 
sometimes referred to as "complex aphthosis" a term suggested by Jorizzo and Rogers2, experts in the field of 
oral dermatology. Such patients are otherwise healthy, with no systemic disease and few to no comorbid 
conditions. It is thought that this phenomenon may represent an "up regulation" of the immune system.3 Attacks 
of RAS may be precipitated by local trauma, stress, food intake, drugs, hormonal changes and vitamin and trace 
element deficiencies.1 Local and systemic conditions, and genetic, immunological and microbial factors all may 
play a role in the pathogenesis of RAS.1 
1.2 
Investigational Agent 
 
Otezla (apremilast) 30mg.  
 
1.3 
Clinical Data to Date 
 
To date, no principal cause for RAS has been established. The lesions of RAS are painful and disabling to many 
patients and there are a large number of patients who seek treatment for this debilitating condition. 
Unfortunately, the disorder is not well understood and often managed by generalists or oral surgeons.  
Since the etiology is unknown and there are no specific diagnostic tests, the diagnosis is based on history and 
clinical criteria. The long-term prognosis for patients with severe RAS is excellent because with time and 
increasing age, the condition may remit. However, patients may face 10 to 15 years of recurrent aphthosis and 
hence, treatment during this phase is warranted, to improve the severity of oral ulcers.1 
 
By way of clarification, – severe RAS (or complex aphthosis) – is quite discrete from Behçet’s disease, which 
also is characteristically associated with oral ulceration. In contradistinction, Behçet’s disease is a rare, chronic, 
multisystemic disorder characterized by mucocutaneous, ocular, vascular and central nervous system 


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manifestations, and is thought to be a systemic vasculitis.4 The clinical spectrum is wide and may include oral 
and genital ulcers among the many clinical features. The etiopathogenesis of Behçet’s disease remains 
unknown, although genetic predisposition, environmental factors and immunological abnormalities have been 
implicated.5 The prognosis of Behçet’s disease is very different and may be guarded depending on the extent of 
the systemic vasculitis and treatment may be lifelong. Despite the distinction between severe RAS and Behçet’s 
disease, it is postulated that treatments that attenuate the mucosal manifestations of Behçet’s may also be 
effective in management of severe RAS. 
 
A phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was published in 2015 which demonstrated apremilast to be 
effective in treating the oral ulcers manifested in Behçet’s disease.6 Given that oral ulcers are the cardinal 
manifestation of Behçet’s disease, it has been suggested that apremilast may also be effective in patients with 
severe RAS.  
 
To date, there has been one case7 reported in which a patient with RAS was treated with apremilast. This was a 
male in his 60’s with a history of recurrent oral ulcers for 3 years duration. After not responding to topical and 
systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, and colchicine, apremilast monotherapy was initiated and gradually titrated 
to a maintenance dose of 30 mg twice daily. Within 6 weeks, there was complete clearance of all lesions and 
there was no disease recurrence over 12 months of follow-up.  
 
Further investigation is needed to better define the role of apremilast in patients with severe RAS, as it may 
represent a safe and effective alternative to current management options. 
 
1.4 
Dose Rationale and Risk/Benefits 
 
Based on the safety and efficacy of previous studies using apremilast for Behçet’s disease and psoriasis, the 
dose of apremilast 30mg was chosen for the present study. Subjects will receive apremilast 30mg twice daily for 
16 weeks. Since apremilast is known to be associated with gastrointestinal side effects and headaches, the dose 
will be increased gradually during the first week of treatment until the full 30mg dose is reached.  
The expected benefits from apremilast use include reduction in the number and duration of oral ulcers, 
decreased oral ulcer pain, improved physical function and quality of life in patients with RAS. Risks associated 
with apremilast therapy include possible gastrointestinal side effects, headaches, upper respiratory tract 
infection, hypersensitivity reactions and depression. 
 
2 Study Objectives 
 
Primary Objective 
• To evaluate the efficacy of apremilast for the treatment of RAS. 
 
Secondary Objectives 
• To evaluate the safety and tolerability of apremilast in subjects with RAS. 
 
 


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3 Study Design 
3.1 
General Design 
 
The study will be a pilot study using apremilast 30mg orally twice daily, for treatment of RAS in males and 
females between 18 and 70 years old.  
 
Subjects will be recruited from the clinical practice of the Department of Dermatology or Division of 
Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic Florida. Fifteen males and females with RAS will be enrolled. 
 
The study will consist of 3 phases: a screening phase, a 16 week treatment phase and an 8 week posttreatment 
observational follow-up phase.  
 
The screening phase will consist of: obtaining informed consent, demographic information, medical history, 
inclusion and exclusion criteria, prior and concomitant medication use, adverse events; collecting vital signs and 
weight; performing complete physical examination and limited physical examination; obtaining hematology, 
serum chemistry, urinalysis, pregnancy test and providing contraception education. 
 
During the 16-week treatment phase, all subjects receive apremilast. 
 
All subjects who complete the active treatment phase are to enter the 8-week posttreatment observational 
follow-up phase. 
 
3.1.1 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 4.1.1 while on investigational product (IP) and for at least 28 days after administration of the last dose 
of the IP. 
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 Investigator will educate the subject 
regarding options and correct and consistent use of effective contraceptive methods in order to successfully 
prevent pregnancy. 
 
 
3.2 
Study population 
 
Male and female subjects between 18 and 70 years old at the time of consent, who have diagnosis of RAS and 
who have had at least 2 oral ulcers in the 4 weeks prior to enrollment at baseline. 
 
3.3 
Primary Study Endpoints 
 
Improvement in the following parameters of the RAS lesions: %change in the number of ulcers at the end of 
treatment, duration of ulcers and duration of the remission period between ulcer episodes. 


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3.4 
Primary Safety Endpoints 
 
• Type, frequency, severity and relationship of the adverse events to apremilast 
• Number of subjects who prematurely discontinue treatment due to any adverse event 
• Frequency of clinically significant changes in vital signs and/or laboratory findings 
 
  
 
4 Subject Selection Enrollment and Withdrawal 
4.1 
Inclusion Criteria 
 
1. Male and female subjects between 18 and 70 years of age 
2. Oral ulcers that occurred at least monthly in the 6 month period prior to enrollment 
3. Had at least 2 oral ulcers in the 4 weeks prior to enrollment at baseline 
4. At least 3 oral ulcers during an ulcer flare 
5. Patients must be candidates for systemic therapy for the treatment of oral ulcers, those that are 
considered unsuitable for topical therapy alone based on severity of disease, or whose oral ulcers cannot 
be adequately controlled with topical therapy. 
6. Female premenopausal subjects must use one of the approved contraceptive options while taking 
apremilast and for at least 28 days after administration of the last dose of apremilast 
7. Patients are able and willing to provide written informed consent after the nature of the study is fully 
explained. 
8. No evidence of systemic disease 
 
4.1.1 Contraception Requirements 
 
Females of childbearing potentiala (FCBP) must have a negative pregnancy test at screening.  While on 
investigational product and for at least 28 days after taking the last dose of investigational product, FCBP 
who engage in activity in which conception is possible must use one of the approved contraceptive 
options described below:  
 
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. 
 
a A female of childbearing potential is a sexually mature female who has not undergone a hysterectomy or 
bilateral oophorectomy or has not been postmenopausal for at least 24 consecutive months. 
 
4.2 
Exclusion Criteria 
 


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1. Prior use of apremilast. 
2. Use 
of 
any 
investigational 
drug 
within 
4 
weeks 
prior 
to 
randomization, 
or 
5 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic half-lives, if known (whichever is longer). 
3.  Having received concomitant immune modulating therapy 12 weeks prior to enrollment, systemic 
steroids 6 weeks prior to enrollment or topical steroids within 4 weeks prior to enrollment. 
4. Pregnant women or breast-feeding mothers. 
5. Systemic or opportunistic fungal infection. 
6. Known active current or history of recurrent bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial or other infections 
(tuberculosis and atypical mycobacterial disease, hepatitis B and C and herpes zoster, histoplasmosis, 
coccidiomycosis) or any major episode of infection requiring hospitalization or treatment with IV or oral 
antibiotics within 4 weeks of the screening phase. 
7. History of positive test for, or any clinical suspicion of, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or 
congenital or acquired immunodeficiency. 
8. History of depression. 
9. 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. 
10. Other than disease under study, any clinically significant (as determined by the Investigator) cardiac, 
endocrinologic, pulmonary, neurologic, psychiatric, hepatic, renal, hematologic, immunologic disease, 
or other major disease that is currently uncontrolled. 
11. Any condition, including the presence of laboratory abnormalities, which would place the subject at 
unacceptable risk if he/she were to participate in the study. 
12. Prior history of suicide attempt at any time in the subject’s life time prior to screening or randomization, 
or major psychiatric illness requiring hospitalization within the last 3 years. 
13. Active substance abuse or a history of substance abuse within 6 months prior to screening. 
14.  Presence of any of the following vitamin deficiencies - B1, B2, B6, B12, vitamin C, zinc, folate, iron. 
15. Celiac disease. 
16. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. 
17. Genital aphthous ulcers. 
18. Behçet’s disease. 
19. History of positive patch test for allergic contact stomatitis. 
20. Positive anti-endomysial or anti-gliadin antibodies. 
21. A diagnosis of uveitis (current or previous). 
22. Erythema nodosum-like lesions (current or previous). 
23. An established diagnosis of a systemic disease (SLE, Reiter’s, Sweet’s and MAGIC syndrome). 
 
4.3 
Subject Recruitment, Enrollment and Screening 
 
Subjects will be recruited from the clinical practice of the Department of Dermatology or Division of 
Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic Florida. Patients seeking treatment for RAS will be offered standard conservative 
medical therapy for RAS as part of routine dermatological treatment. As an alternative, patients will be 
informed of the study protocol, and offered the option to enroll if they meet the study eligibility criteria. 
 


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4.4 
Early Withdrawal of Subjects 
4.4.1 When and How to Withdraw Subjects 
 
Subjects may withdraw from the study at any time for the following: 
• Subject safety issues related to serious reactions such as bacterial or viral skin infection, fever, or tissue 
hypertrophy. 
• Subject decision to withdraw from the study (withdrawal of consent) 
• Subject’s decision to pursue other therapeutic regimens, either surgical or non-surgical 
 
4.4.2 Data Collection and Follow-up for Withdrawn Subjects 
 
Even though a subject has withdrawn from the study, it will be important to collect follow-up or survival data 
on subjects throughout the protocol defined follow-up period. Such data are important to the integrity of the 
final study analysis. If a subject withdraws consent to participate in the study for subject safety reasons, 
attempts will be made to obtain permission to collect follow up information whenever possible. Patients will be 
analyzed by intention to treat principles. 
5 Study Drug  
5.1 
Description 
 
Apremilast is an oral small-molecule inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 that works intracellularly to 
modulate a network of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. PDE 4 is a cyclic adenosine 
monophosphate (cAMP)-specific PDE and the dominant PDE in inflammatory cells. PDE4 inhibition 
elevates intracellular cAMP levels, which in turn down-regulates the inflammatory response by modulating 
the expression of TNF-alfa, IL-23, IL-17 and other inflammatory cytokines. Cyclic AMP also modulates 
levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. Apremilast has immunomodulatory activity and, 
therefore, has the potential to be effective in the treatment of RAS.  
5.2 
Treatment Regimen 
 
Subjects will receive apremilast 30mg twice daily for 15 weeks. Since Apremilast is known to be associated 
with gastrointestinal side effects and headaches, the dose will be increased gradually in the first week according 
to the following schedule: 
 
Day 1: 10mg in morning 
Day 2: 10mg in morning and 10mg in evening 
Day 3: 10mg in morning and 20mg in evening 
Day 4: 20mg in morning and 20mg in evening 
Day 5: 20mg in morning and 30mg in evening 
Day 6 and thereafter: 30mg twice daily 
5.3 
Administration of Study Drug 
 
Subjects will receive apremilast 30mg twice daily orally for 15 weeks after 1 week of titration. Patients will be 
advised to take the medication in the morning and evening, with water.  
 


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5.4 
Prior and Concomitant Therapy 
 
Subjects will be allowed the following concomitant therapies to control flares: Tylenol, lidocaine 2% topical mouth 
wash and lidocaine 2% plus diphenhydramine plus Maalox topical mouth wash.  
No topical and systemic therapies for RAS may be used 3 months prior to study enrollment. 
6 Study Procedures 
 
a. The screening phase will consist of: obtaining informed consent, demographic information, medical 
history, inclusion and exclusion criteria, prior and concomitant medication use, adverse events; 
collecting vital signs and weight; performing complete physical examination, hematology, serum 
chemistry (vitamins B1, B6, B12, C, iron, folate, zinc, TTG, ANA), urinalysis, pregnancy testing, 
contraception education. Patients will also be assessed in regards to number of oral ulcers and pain 
visual analog scale for oral ulcers. A diary will be provided to the patient for keeping record of number 
and pain intensity of oral ulcers throughout the study. 
b. At baseline (week 0) all patients will undergo a complete medical history and limited physical 
examination, suitability assessment (inclusion and exclusion criteria), and safety assessments (adverse 
events, vital signs, weight, contraception education).  Patients will also be assessed in relation to number 
of oral ulcers, pain visual analog scale for oral ulcers, physician’s global assessment of oral lesions and 
Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire – COMDQ) and the investigational product will be 
dispensed. 
c. At week 2 all patients will undergo safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, weight, and 
contraception education), efficacy assessments (number of oral ulcers, pain visual analog scale for oral 
ulcers, physician’s global assessment of oral lesions) and investigational product accountability. 
d. At week 4 all patients will undergo safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, weight, and 
contraception education), efficacy assessments (number of oral ulcers, pain visual analog scale for oral 
ulcers, physician’s global assessment of oral lesions) and investigational product accountability. The 
investigational product will be dispensed. 
e. At week 8 all patients will undergo safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, limited physical 
examination, weight, contraception education, and optional lab work per Investigator’s discretion, 
including hematology and serum chemistry), efficacy assessments (number of oral ulcers, pain visual 
analog scale for oral ulcers, physician’s global assessment of oral lesions and Chronic Oral Mucosal 
Disease Questionnaire – COMDQ) and investigational product accountability. The investigational 
product will be dispensed. 
f. At week 12 all patients will undergo safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, weight, and 
contraception education) and efficacy assessments (number of oral ulcers, pain visual analog scale for 
oral ulcers and physician’s global assessment of oral lesions) and investigational product accountability. 
The investigational product will be dispensed. 
g. At week 16 all patients will undergo safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, weight, complete 
physical examination, contraception education and optional lab work per Investigator’s discretion, 
including pregnancy testing, hematology and serum chemistry), efficacy assessments (number of oral 
ulcers, pain visual analog scale for oral ulcers, physician’s global assessment of oral lesions and Chronic 
Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire – COMDQ) and investigational product accountability. 
h. At week 24 patients will undergo safety assessments (vital signs, weight, and complete physical 
examination) and efficacy assessments (number of oral ulcers, pain visual analog scale for oral ulcers, 
physician's global assessment for oral lesions and Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire - 
COMDK). 


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6.1 
Apremilast table of events 
Schedule of Events 
 
 
Procedure 
Screening 
phase 
Baseline 
(Week 0) 
Week 2 
Week 4 
Week 8 
Week 12 
Week 16 
Week 24 
Informed Consent 
X 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
Demography 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical History 
X 
X 
  
  
  
 
 
 
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria 
X 
X 
  
  
  
 
 
 
Safety Assessments 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
Adverse Events 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
Vital Signs 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Complete Physical Examination  
X 
 
  
  
 
X 
X 
Limited Physical Examination 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
 
Weight 
 X  
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Hematology 
X 
 
 
 
X* 
 
X* 
 
Serum Chemistry 
X 
 
 
 
X* 
 
X* 
 
Urinalysis 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pregnancy test 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
X* 
 
Contraception Education 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
Efficacy Assessments 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of Oral Ulcers 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Pain VAS for oral ulcers 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Physician’s Global Assessment of 
Oral Lesions 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease 
Questionnaire – COMDQ 
X 
X 
 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
Investigational Product 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dispense IP 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
IP Accountability 
 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
* lab work, including pregnancy testing, is optional per Investigator’s discretion. 


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Statistical Plan 
6.2 
Sample Size Determination 
 
A total of 15 patients will be enrolled in this study. This sample size will be sufficient in order to gain valuable 
data that could be used in the design of a future, larger study. Given the pilot/feasibility nature of the study, no 
formal power calculations were performed. 
 
6.3 
Statistical Methods 
 
Data Analysis – Given the design, all statistical analysis will be descriptive. Continuous outcome measures will 
be summarized using the sample mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, 25th and 75th percentiles, and 
maximum. Categorical variables will be summarized with number and percentage. 95% confidence intervals 
(CIs) will be estimated where appropriate.  
 
Descriptive Statistics 
 
We will summarize continuous variables using the sample mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, 25th 
and 75th percentiles, and maximum. We will summarize categorical variables with number and percentages. 
Ordinal variables will be summarized using the sample median, minimum, 25th and 75th percentiles, and 
maximum, as well as with number and percentage.  
 
Handling of Missing Data 
 
Given the prospective nature of the study, we expect to encounter little if any missing data. However in the 
event of missing data, no attempt to impute this missing data will be made in this pilot study; missing data will 
be treated as missing. 
 
Multiplicity 
 
No adjustment for multiple testing will be made owing to the exploratory, pilot nature of the study.  
 
Primary Hypothesis: 
 
We hypothesize that apremilast administration for RAS will decrease the number of ulcers at the end of 
treatment compared to baseline.   
 
The primary endpoints of the study is the change in number of ulcers at the end of treatment compared to 
baseline. 
 
The secondary endpoints of the study, occurrence of adverse reactions and morbidity, are both dichotomous 
categorical variables. As such, the proportion for which these outcomes occur will be estimated along with 95% 
confidence interval.  
 
 


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Interim Analysis 
 
No interim analysis will be performed in this pilot study. 
 
6.4 
Subject Population(s) for Analysis 
All-treated population:  Any subject randomized into the study that received study drug.  
 
 
7 Safety and Adverse Events 
7.1 
Definitions 
 
Unanticipated Problems Involving Risk to Subjects or Others (UPIRTSO) 
Any unanticipated problem or adverse event that meets the following three criteria:  
• Serious: Serious problems or events that results in significant harm, (which may be physical, 
psychological, financial, social, economic, or legal) or increased risk for the subject or others (including 
individuals who are not research subjects). These include: (1) death; (2) life threatening adverse 
experience; (3) hospitalization - inpatient, new, or prolonged; (4) disability/incapacity - persistent or 
significant; (5) birth defect/anomaly; (6) breach of confidentiality and (7) other problems, events, or new 
information (i.e. publications, DSMB reports, interim findings, product labeling change) that in the 
opinion of the local investigator may adversely affect the rights, safety, or welfare of the subjects or 
others, or substantially compromise the research data, AND 
• Unanticipated: (i.e., unexpected) problems or events are those that are not already described as potential 
risks in the protocol, consent document, not listed in the Investigator’s Brochure, or not part of an 
underlying disease. A problem or event is "unanticipated" when it was unforeseeable at the time of its 
occurrence. A problem or event is "unanticipated" when it occurs at an increased frequency or at an 
increased severity than expected, AND 
• Related: A problem or event is "related" if it is possibly related to the research procedures. 
 
 
Adverse Event 
 
An untoward or undesirable experience associated with the use of a medical product (i.e. drug, device, biologic) 
in a patient or research subject. 
 
 
Serious Adverse Event 
 
Adverse events are classified as serious or non-serious.  Serious problems/events can be well defined and 
include; 
• death 
• life threatening adverse experience 
• hospitalization inpatient, new, or prolonged;  
• disability/incapacity 
• persistent or significant birth defect/anomaly 


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• 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.   
 
or other events that in the opinion of the sponsor-investigator may have adversely affected the rights, 
safety, or welfare of the subjects or others, or substantially compromised the research data. 
 
All adverse events that do not meet any of the criteria for serious, should be regarded as non-serious adverse 
events.  
 
Adverse Event Reporting Period 
For this study, the study treatment follow-up period is 6 months after enrollment. The adverse event monitoring 
period will end at the end of the follow-up period. If an event is reported after this time it would need to be 
determined whether or not it is study related. 
Preexisting Condition 
A preexisting condition is one that is present at the start of the study.  A preexisting condition should be 
recorded as an adverse event if the frequency, intensity, or the character of the condition worsens during the 
study period. 
 
General Physical Examination Findings 
At screening, any clinically significant abnormality should be recorded as a preexisting condition.  At the end of 
the study, any new clinically significant findings/abnormalities that meet the definition of an adverse event must 
also be recorded and documented as an adverse event.  
 
Post-study Adverse Event 
All unresolved adverse events should be followed by the sponsor-investigator until the events are resolved, the 
subject is lost to follow-up, or the adverse event is otherwise explained.  At the last scheduled visit, the sponsor-
investigator should instruct each subject to report, to the sponsor-investigator, any subsequent event(s) that the 
subject, or the subject’s personal physician, believes might reasonably be related to participation in this study.  
 
Abnormal Laboratory Values 
A clinical laboratory abnormality should be documented as an adverse event if it was exhibited as a severe 
reaction i.e. swelling, that required hospitalization or additional clinical intervention.  
 
 
Hospitalization, Prolonged Hospitalization or Surgery 
Any adverse event that results in hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization should be documented and 
reported as a serious adverse event unless specifically instructed otherwise in this protocol.  Any condition 
responsible for surgery should be documented as an adverse event if the condition meets the criteria for an 
adverse event.  
 
 
Neither the condition, hospitalization, prolonged hospitalization, nor surgery are reported as an adverse event in 
the following circumstances:  
• Hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization for diagnostic or elective surgical procedures for a 
preexisting condition.  Surgery should not be reported as an outcome of an adverse event if the purpose 
of the surgery was elective or diagnostic and the outcome was uneventful. 


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• Hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization required to allow efficacy measurement for the study. 
• Hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization for therapy of the target disease of the study, unless it is a 
worsening or increase in frequency of hospital admissions as judged by the clinical investigator. 
 
7.2 
Recording of Adverse Events 
All adverse events will be documented as required, under 21 CFR part 1271. Depending on the nature and 
seriousness of the adverse reaction, the IRB will be notified according to the Mayo Clinic IRB policy. If An 
SAE occurs it will also be reported to the FDA as per regulations 
 
At each contact with the subject, the study team must seek information on adverse events by specific 
questioning and, as appropriate, by examination.  Information on all adverse events should be recorded 
immediately in the source document, and also in the appropriate adverse event section of the case report form 
(CRF) or separate worksheet.  All clearly related signs, symptoms, and abnormal diagnostic, laboratory or 
procedure results should recorded in the source document. 
 
All adverse events occurring during the study period must be recorded.  The clinical course of each event 
should be followed until resolution, stabilization, or until it has been ultimately determined that the study 
treatment or participation is not the probable cause.  Serious adverse events that are still ongoing at the end of 
the study period must be followed up, to determine the final outcome. 
 
7.3 
Reporting of Serious Adverse Events and Unanticipated Problems 
When an adverse event has been identified, the study team will take appropriated action necessary to protect the 
study participant and then complete the Study Adverse Event Worksheet and/or log.  The sponsor-investigator 
will evaluate the event and determine the necessary follow-up and reporting required. 
The SAE must be reported immediately (i.e., within 24 hours of the Investigators’ knowledge of the event) to 
Celgene Safety by facsimile.  A written report (prepared by the 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    
.  
Summit, NJ  07901       
Fax: 
 
E-mail: 
 
 
7.3.1 Pregnancies 
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 
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. 
 


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7.3.2 Sponsor-Investigator reporting: notifying the Mayo IRB 
The sponsor-investigator will report to the Mayo IRB any UPIRTSOs and Non-UPIRTSOs according to the 
Mayo IRB Policy and Procedures. 
7.4 
Stopping Rules  
Study enrollment and treatment procedures will be suspended in the event that a subject experiences treatment 
related Adverse Event while on study.  The study would only be resumed after a thorough review of the 
incidents and any corrective and preventative actions have been put in place along with consultation between 
the study team and the IRB. 
7.5 
Medical Monitoring 
It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to oversee the safety of the study at his/her site.  This safety 
monitoring will include careful assessment and of adverse events as noted above, as well as the construction and 
implementation of a site data and safety-monitoring plan (see section 10 - “Study Monitoring, Auditing, and 
Inspecting”).  Medical monitoring will include a regular assessment of the number and type of serious adverse 
events. 
 
8 Data Handling and Record Keeping 
8.1 
Data Handling 
Data will be collected and entered by the study coordinator assigned to the project, and stored into a REDCap 
database. 
 
Variables to be collected include: (please list variables to be collected, at different time points if applicable) 
8.2 
Confidentiality 
Information about study subjects will be kept confidential and managed according to the requirements of the 
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  Those regulations require a signed 
subject authorization informing the subject of the following:  
• What protected health information (PHI) will be collected from subjects in this study 
• Who will have access to that information and why 
• Who will use or disclose that information 
• The rights of a research subject to revoke their authorization for use of their PHI.  
In the event that a subject revokes authorization to collect or use PHI, the investigator, by regulation, retains the 
ability to use all information collected prior to the revocation of subject authorization.  For subjects that have 
revoked authorization to collect or use PHI, attempts should be made to obtain permission to collect at least 
vital status (long term survival status that the subject is alive) at the end of their scheduled study period. 
 
Hard copy data such as consent forms will be stored in locked file cabinets; electronic data will be stored in 
secure web-based database (REDCap) that will be designed with the help of the statistician.  
8.3 
Source Documents 
Source data are all information, original records of clinical findings, observations, or other activities in a clinical 
trial necessary for the reconstruction and evaluation of the trial.  Source data are contained in source documents.  
Examples of these original documents, and data records include: hospital records, clinical and office charts, 
laboratory notes, memoranda, subjects’ diaries or evaluation checklists, pharmacy dispensing records, recorded 
data from automated instruments, copies or transcriptions certified after verification as being accurate and 


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complete, microfiches, photographic negatives, microfilm or magnetic media, x-rays, subject files, and records 
kept at the pharmacy, at the laboratories, and at medico-technical departments involved in the clinical trial. 
 
Data Management 
Study data will be managed in a study specific REDCap system 
 
Data Security and Confidentiality 
 
The REDCap system has built in systems for control of access, data integrity and audit trails. Access and 
confidentiality are controlled in a manner similar to other institutional systems. 
8.4 
Records Retention 
 
1. As outlined in the Mayo Clinic Research Policy Manual “Access to and Retention of Research Data 
Policy” 
. 
9 Study Monitoring, Auditing, and Inspecting 
9.1 
Study Monitoring Plan 
 
 
The study specific DSMP will be submitted to the IRB as a separate document in the IRB application. 
 
 This will assist investigators in complying with Food and Drug Administration regulations. 
9.2 
Auditing and Inspecting 
This study may be monitored during the conduct of the study by internal quality assurance auditors.    The 
investigator will permit monitoring, audits, and inspections by the IRB, Mayo internal auditing, and government 
regulatory agencies of all study related documents (e.g. source documents, regulatory documents, data 
collection instruments, study data etc.).  The investigator will ensure the capability for inspections of applicable 
study-related facilities (e.g. pharmacy, diagnostic laboratory, etc.). 
Participation as an investigator in this study implies acceptance of potential inspection by government 
regulatory authorities and applicable compliance offices. 
10 Ethical Considerations 
This study is to be conducted according to United States government regulations and Institutional research 
policies and procedures. 
 
This protocol and any amendments will be submitted to a properly constituted local Institutional Review Board 
(IRB), in agreement with local legal prescriptions, for formal approval of the study.  The decision of the IRB 
concerning the conduct of the study will be made in writing to the sponsor-investigator before commencement 
of this study. 
 
All subjects for this study will be provided a consent form describing this study and providing sufficient 
information for subjects to make an informed decision about their participation in this study.  This consent form 
will be submitted with the protocol for review and approval by the IRB for the study.  The formal consent of a 
subject, using the Approved IRB consent form, must be obtained before that subject undergoes any study 


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procedure.  The consent form must be signed by the subject or the subject’s legally authorized representative, 
and the individual obtaining the informed consent. 
 
11 Study Finances 
11.1 Funding Source 
Celgene Biopharmaceutical company funding. 
 
11.2 Conflict of Interest 
Any study team member who has a conflict of interest with this study (patent ownership, royalties, or financial 
gain greater than the minimum allowable by their institution, etc.) must have the conflict reviewed by a properly 
constituted Conflict of Interest Committee with a Committee-sanctioned conflict management plan that has 
been reviewed and approved by the study sponsor-investigator prior to participation in this study. 
11.3 Subject Stipends or Payments 
No subject payments or reimbursement will be offered. 
 
12 Publication Plan 
The Principal Investigator will be responsible for manuscript preparation and submission to a suitable 
dermatologic journal for publication of results. 
 
13 References 
 
1. Baughman RP, Judson MA, Ingledue R, Craft NL, Lower EE. Efficacy and safety of apremilast in 
chronic cutaneous sarcoidosis. Arch Dermatol. 2012; 2: 262-4. 
 
2. Crowley J, Thaçi D, Joly P, Peris K, Papp KA, Goncalves J, Day RM, Chen R, Shah K, Ferrándiz C, 
Cather JC. Long-term safety and tolerability of apremilast in patients with psoriasis: Pooled safety 
analysis for ≥156 weeks from 2 phase 3, randomized, controlled trials (ESTEEM 1 and 2). J Am Acad 
Dermatol. 2017; 2: 310-317. 
 
3. Cui RZ, Bruce AJ, Rogers RS 3rd. Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis. Clin Dermatol. 2016; 4: 475-81. 
 
4. Edgar NR, Saleh D, Miller RA. Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: a review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 
2017; 3: 26-36. 
 
5. Hatemi G, Melikoglu M, Tunc R, Korkmaz C, Turgut Ozturk B, Mat C, Merkel PA, Calamia KT, Liu Z, 
Pineda L, Stevens RM, Yazici H, Yazici Y. Apremilast for Behçet's syndrome--a phase 2, placebo-
controlled study. N Engl J Med. 2015; 16: 1510-8. 
 
6. Jorizzo JL, Taylor RS, Schmalstieg FC, Solomon AR Jr, Daniels JC, Rudloff HE, Cavallo T. Complex 
aphthosis: a forme fruste of Behçet's syndrome? J Am Acad Dermatol. 1985; 1: 80-4. 
 


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7. Mimura MAM, Borra RC, et al. Immune response of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis  
challenged with a symbiotic. J Oral Pathol Med. 2017; 9: 821-828. 
 
8. Natah SS, Konttinen YT, Enattah NS, Ashammakhi N, Sharkey KA, Häyrinen-Immonen R. Recurrent 
aphthous ulcers today: a review of the growing knowledge. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004; 3: 221-34. 
 
9. Oh SH, Han EC, Lee JH, Bang D. Comparison of the clinical features of recurrent aphthous stomatitis 
and Behçet's disease. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009; 6: e208-12. 
 
10. Paul J, Foss CE, Hirano SA, Cunningham TD, Pariser DM. An open-label pilot study of apremilast for 
the treatment of moderate to severe lichen planus: a case series. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013; 2: 255-61. 
 
11. Saadoun D, Wechsler B. Behçet's disease. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2012; 7: 20. 
 
12. Samrao A, Berry TM, Goreshi R, Simpson EL. A pilot study of an oral phosphodiesterase inhibitor 
(apremilast) for atopic dermatitis in adults. Arch Dermatol. 2012; 8: 890-7. 
 
13. Schafer PH, Parton A, Gandhi AK, Capone L, Adams M, Wu L, Bartlett JB, Loveland MA, Gilhar A, 
Cheung YF, Baillie GS, Houslay MD, Man HW, Muller GW, Stirling DI. Apremilast, a cAMP 
phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in a model of 
psoriasis. Br J Pharmacol. 2010; 4: 842-55. 
 
14. Schett G, Wollenhaupt J, et al. Oral Apremilast in the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis: results of a 
multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arthritis Rheum. 2012; 64: 3156-67. 
 
15. Schibler F, Heidemeyer K, Klötgen HW, Keshavamurthy V, Yawalkar N. Apremilast for treatment of 
recalcitrant aphthous stomatitis. JAAD Case Rep. 2017; 5: 410-411. 
 
16. Scully C, Porter S. Oral mucosal disease: recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 
2008; 3: 198-206. 
 
17. Thornhill MH, Baccaglini L, Theaker E, Pemberton MN. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-
controlled trial of pentoxifylline for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Arch Dermatol. 
2007; 4: 463-70.