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

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.