Global Research Trends in Apremilast for Psoriasis: A Bibliometric Analysis (2008-2024)

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease that significantly affects patients' quality of life. Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has emerged as a promising treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis, offering an alternative to biologics with a favorable safety profile. This study analyzes global research trends, key contributors, and emerging focus areas concerning apremilast in the treatment of psoriasis.

Publications related to apremilast and psoriasis from 2008 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliometric and visual analyses were performed using tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R 4.3.3.

A total of 437 publications on apremilast and psoriasis were identified. The United States led with 158 publications, followed by Japan with 39 and Italy with 33. Celgene Corporation was the most productive institution, contributing 96 articles. The top journals include Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Key researchers, such as Shinichi Imafuku and Bruce Strober, were identified as leading contributors. Burst analysis revealed that since 2020, keywords like "monotherapy", "nail psoriasis", and "pathogenesis" have gained prominence, indicating emerging research areas.

This bibliometric analysis demonstrates that research on Apremilast for psoriasis has evolved from clinical trials focused on efficacy and safety to broader applications in real-world settings, including nail psoriasis and pathogenesis. Future research is likely to concentrate on long-term outcomes, optimizing treatment regimens, and addressing unmet needs in psoriasis management, particularly among specific patient subgroups.