Samsung Bioepis has announced real-world data from an observational study of Benepali (etanercept), in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

The study, based on data from the British Association of Dermatologists Biologics and Immunomodulators Register (BADBIR), assessed the long-term safety of biologic treatments for psoriasis, in which Samsung Bioepis participated since May 2016. The study included BADBIR-registered patients treated with Benepali from January 01, 2016 to September 01, 2018.

The company also revealed that of the 48 patients who had their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score available both at baseline and at six months, disease activity of 20 patients with baseline PASI < 10 (mean PASI 3.2) did not increase after six months, and disease activity of 28 patients with baseline PASI ≥ 10 (mean PASI 15.7) was reduced after six months.

“Results from this study show that Benepali was effective when used by patients in the real-life setting,” said Seongwon Han, vice president and lead of Medical Team, Samsung Bioepis. “We hope the growing wealth of real-world data on Benepali will help physicians make informed decisions when treating patients with biosimilars.”

Samsung Bioepis and Biogen were the first to launch biosimilars of the three most prescribed anti-TNF therapies for immunological diseases across Europe: etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The patches normally appear on a patient’s elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on the body.