A favourable benefit/risk ratio with efalizumab: a review of the clinical evidence.

Abstract

Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis has traditionally been treated with agents that have toxicities associated with long-term use. Many patients therefore cannot be treated safely, conveniently or effectively with traditional therapies. Recent phase 3 clinical trials for efalizumab, a biological agent targeted specifically at the T-cell-based pathology of psoriasis, have demonstrated its short- and long-term efficacy and safety for the treatment of psoriasis. This article reviews results from 12-week, six-month, and three-year trials, focusing on the drug's safety, efficacy, and therapeutic response time, as well as the phenomenon of rebound in non-responding patients. Efalizumab emerges as an important addition to the dermatological pharmacopeia for the long-term treatment of psoriasis.

• Authors: Yves Poulin, Kim A Papp, Wayne Carey, Wayne Gulliver, Aditya K Gupta
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) Vol. 9 Suppl 1 Pg. 10-7 ( 2006) ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16633861 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• CD11 Antigens
• Immunologic Factors
• efalizumab

Topics

• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Body Surface Area
• CD11 Antigens (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Psoriasis (drug therapy)
• Risk Assessment
• Treatment Outcome