Certolizumab Pegol for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the use of certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®, UCB S.A.) for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and summarize important findings. Three pivotal phase three clinical trials CIMPASI-1, CIMPASI-2, and CIMPACT have demonstrated efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in patients with plaque psoriasis. In addition, another multicenter phase three clinical trial, RAPID-PsA, has shown long-term efficacy and safety data of CZP in psoriatic arthritis. When compared with other TNF-alpha blockers, CZP has demonstrated increased efficacy in psoriasis. In addition, CZP has also shown clinically significant and sustained improvement in psoriatic arthritis based on symptoms and radiographic evidence in patients with up to 4 years of follow-up. The safety profile of CZP is comparable to other anti-TNF agents. Finally, CZP’s unique structure as a PEGylated monoclonal antibody fragment prevents placental transfer and therefore may make it an ideal choice as a biologic medication for women of childbearing age.