IMAPA Study Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Immune-Metabolic Associations in Psoriatic Arthritis (IMAPA) Study
IRAS ID
209711
Contact name
Stefan Siebert
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Research & Development
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
There is increasing evidence that individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are more likely to be overweight and at increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Apremilast, used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, has been shown to improve skin and joint disease, as well as cause weight loss in some individuals. The mechanism for this remains unclear but may relate to inhibition of a molecule called phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4. Through studying the effects of PDE4 inhibition with apremilast on metabolic, blood vessel, and immune function, this should improve our understanding of why individuals with psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis are more prone to obesity & diabetes (metabolic disease), heart disease, and abnormalities of the immune system.
We will recruit 60 participants from rheumatology & dermatology clinics across NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Lanarkshire, and Fife, due to start apremilast as part of their standard clinical care. Participants will attend four visits (baseline, 1, 3, & 6 months) and undertake blood tests, physical assessments, and questionnaires. A subgroup of 20 participants will have more detailed investigations with five visits in total (including a pre-baseline visit) with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), fat biopsy from the abdomen (tummy), blood samples for more detailed immune testing, and assessment of blood vessel function.
This study intends to benefit patients by improving our understanding of why people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are more overweight and at increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. It may also help identify those most likely to benefit from apremilast. This research will be funded by Celgene with sub-study funding from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Excellence award in the University of Glasgow.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
17/WS/0006
Date of REC Opinion
22 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion