Efalizumab: continuous therapy for chronic psoriasis.
Efalizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the CD11a subunit of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, specifically developed for psoriasis. Indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, efalizumab is FDA-approved in the US for patients aged > or = 18, as well as being approved in several other European countries. Clinical studies have proven the efficacy of efalizumab for a majority of patients, improving quality of life with continuous maintenance therapy by means of weekly subcutaneous self-injections. Controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and tolerability of efalizumab. Clinical trials have established that approximately 30% of patients can achieve a PASI-75 response within 12 weeks of initiating treatment, with further clinical benefit noted with continued therapy up to 24 and even 36 months of therapy. Efalizumab may thus potentially offer patients a safe option for long-term safe control in managing their disease.
Cather
Jennifer Clay
JC
Baylor University Medical Center, 5310 Harvest Hill Rd., Ste. 260, Dallas, TX75230, USA.
Menter
Alan
A
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D013995:Time
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; C472181:efalizumab