Introduction
Apremilast (trade name: Otezla) has been approved in Germany since April 2020 for the treatment of oral aphthous ulcers (aphthae, canker sores) in adults with Behçet’s disease. It is an option for patients who are able to have systemic treatment.
Behçet’s disease causes in the blood vessels, especially the smaller blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes, eyes, joints and (less commonly) nerve tissue. The typical signs include open sores in the mouth and genital region, as well as eye inflammations.
The open sores in the mouth are called aphthous ulcers: The lining of the mouth is inflamed and has a reddish-white color. Aphthous ulcers can be very painful. They typically heal on their own within a few days, but often come back later.
Apremilast is supposed to reduce the of the mucous membranes by inhibiting a specific protein.