Mycophenolate Mofetil (CellCept^®) for Psoriasis: A Two-Center, Prospective, Open-Label Clinical Trial

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immune suppressant that selectively inhibits activated lymphocytes. Its usefulness in treating psoriasis has not been systematically investigated. Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of MMF as a monotherapy for psoriasis. Methods: This is a two-center, prospective, open-label clinical trial. Results: Twenty-three patients with moderate to severe psoriasis [mean psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of 21.7] were treated with MMF 2–3 g/day for 12 weeks. Eighteen patients completed the study. The PASI was reduced by 24% (p < 0.001) at 6 weeks, and by 47% (p < 0.001) at 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment phase, 77% of the patients had significant reduction of PASI while 22% did not respond. The treatment was well tolerated. Five patients experienced mild nausea. One patient each had periorbital edema and pruritus. One patient had transient leukopenia. Conclusion: In this noncontrolled trial, the majority of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis responded to mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy with few adverse events. A randomized, controlled trial should be considered to confirm the usefulness of MMF as a monotherapy for psoriasis.