Long‐term efficacy of etanercept in hidradenitis suppurativa: results from an open‐label phase II prospective trial

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Please cite this paper as: Long‐term efficacy of etanercept in hidradenitis suppurativa: results from an open‐label phase II prospective trial. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 538–540. Objective: To evaluate the long‐term efficacy of etanercept for the management of hidradenitis suppurativa. Methods: Analysis was based on the long‐term follow‐up (weeks 24–144) of 10 patients enrolled in a prospective open‐label phase II study; etanercept was initially administered subcutaneously 50 mg once weekly for 12 weeks in 10 patients. Disease recurrence and the need to restart etanercept were recorded. Results: Three patients did not report any disease recurrence. A second course of treatment with etanercept was needed in seven patients. Favourable responses were found in five; two patients failed treatment. Conclusions: The first treatment course achieved long‐term disease remission in almost one‐third of patients. The remaining needed a second treatment course but even in that case, their disease severity at restart was significantly lower compared with baseline.