APRICOT_V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Treatment of Pustular Psoriasis with the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra: a randomised, placebo controlled trial and associated mechanistic studies.\n\n(APRICOT - Anakinra for Pustular psoriasis: Response in a Controlled Trial)
IRAS ID
162098
Contact name
Catherine Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Eudract number
2015-003600-23
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN13127147
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Pustular psoriasis is a term used to describe a particular form of psoriasis that is characterised by sore, red skin covered in pustules. Sometimes it can be generalised meaning that it covers most or all of the skin surface. In this instance it can be life threatening. Most forms of pustular psoriasis just affect the hands and feet when it is called palmo-plantar pustulosis (PPP). Although this condition affects the hands and feet exclusively, it makes the skin sore and painful and so walking and manual work are difficult. Treatment options are limited and unsatisfactory; even the recent, ’biologic’ treatments that have been developed for the common form of psoriasis (plaque psoriasis) are usually ineffective. \n\nVery recently, our research group and others have shown that the biological processes underlying PPP are very different from plaque psoriasis. This may explain the lack of response of PPP to standard treatments. These studies indicate that a group of proteins involved in inflammation called the interleukin (IL)-1 family are central to the disease process. These laboratory studies are supported clinically by anecdotal reports in the medical literature of a drug called anakinra, an IL1 inhibitor developed for other diseases such as arthritis, being effective for the treatment of PPP.\n\nWe have designed a study to accurately determine how well anakinra works in PPP using the gold standard of clinical trial design, namely randomised control trial (RCT). This RCT will be supported by laboratory based investigations designed to understand the role of IL1 in PPP and explain exactly how anakinra works.\nWe have engaged with the top psoriasis treatment centres in the UK to ensure that our objectives can be achieved.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0436
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion