At Amgen, our unique real-world evidence capabilities in our Center for Observational Research are breaking new ground in our knowledge of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Cynthia Deignan and her team in Global Medical Affairs examine real-world evidence to uncover areas of burden, treatment patterns and more insights to better serve people living with these diseases.
Cynthia sat down with Professor Ulrich Mrowietz, MD, Professor of Dermatology, and founder of the Psoriasis Center in the Department of Dermatology at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, for a conversation on real-world evidence in the clinical setting. Together, they discussed how Professor Mrowietz uses insights from real-world evidence in his practice and highlighted findings from Amgen's real-world research program. Here are three takeaways from their discussion:
- Real-world evidence can help bridge the gap between clinical trials and the real world.
- Early intervention with systemic treatments can be crucial in timely disease management for psoriasis patients.
- There is a disconnect between patients and physicians regarding treatment goals.
Although clinical trials are considered the gold standard for medical research, real-world studies incorporate variables often seen in clinical practice. "Real-world evidence integrates larger and broader patient populations than typical clinical trials," said Professor Mrowietz. "This can help to foster deeper understandings of patient needs."
Amgen’s real-world evidence program has examined the adoption of systemic therapies for plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients. For those who experience symptoms in high impact areas on the body, or for patients who struggle with complying to topicals or are unsatisfied with topical treatment options, systemic treatment can be an effective treatment option. "Even in patients with limited skin involvement who may be hesitant to use systemic therapies, early intervention with systemic treatment can support timely disease management,” remarked Professor Mrowietz.
In 2020, the global Understanding Psoriatic Disease Leveraging Insights for Treatment (UPLIFT) survey highlighted that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients and physicians often differ in opinion on overall disease burden, goals of treatment, and perceived severity. "The UPLIFT survey had a tremendous impact on highlighting persistent unmet needs in patient care," said Professor Mrowietz.
Check out the full conversation below to learn more:
