PDE4 inhibition in pediatric psoriasis: analysis of the SPROUT study on apremilast

Although the efficacy of apremilast is lower compared to modern biologics (e.g. secukinumab, ixekizumab), the drug offers unique practical advantages: oral administration, absence of pre-treatment screening for tuberculosis and chronic hepatitis, and no requirement for laboratory monitoring. With patent expiration and the arrival of generics, apremilast may represent a potential cost-effective 'first-line systemic' option for pediatric patients who are not candidates for or are reluctant to accept injectable therapies.