Safety of efalizumab in adults with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a phase IIIb, randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To provide safety data for efalizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG(1) antibody, in adults with chronic plaque psoriasis.

METHODS:

A 12-week, Phase IIIb, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. At 58 study sites in the USA and Canada, 686 patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis received an initial conditioning dose of efalizumab 0.7 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) followed by either 11 weekly doses of efalizumab 1 mg/kg SC or matching placebo. Main outcome measures were safety and tolerability outcomes (primary) and efficacy outcomes (secondary).

RESULTS:

During 12 weeks of therapy with efalizumab or placebo, the incidence of clinical adverse events was 82.2% and 72.9%, respectively; the incidence of serious adverse events was 1.8% and 3.4%, respectively; and the incidence of nonserious adverse events leading to withdrawal was 1.8% and 1.7%, respectively. In the efalizumab group, there were no clinically significant changes in vital signs or laboratory parameters and no evidence of end-organ toxicities. A significantly higher proportion of patients receiving efalizumab than those receiving placebo achieved > or = 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (P < 0.001), > or = 50% improvement in PASI (P < 0.001), and a static Physician's Global Assessment rating of Minimal or Clear (P < 0.001). The mean improvement in the Psoriasis Symptom Assessment was significantly greater in the efalizumab group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Efalizumab treatment SC for 12 weeks was safe, well tolerated, and effective in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

• Authors: Kim A Papp, Reni Bressinck, Scott Fretzin, Bernard Goffe, Steven Kempers, Kenneth B Gordon, Ivor Caro, Patricia A Walicke, Xiaolin Wang, Alan Menter, Efalizumab Study Group
• Journal: International journal of dermatology (Int J Dermatol) Vol. 45 Issue 5 Pg. 605-14 (May 2006) ISSN: 0011-9059 [Print] England
• PMID: 16700803 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase III, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• CD11 Antigens
• Dermatologic Agents
• efalizumab

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• CD11 Antigens (immunology)
• Chronic Disease
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Subcutaneous
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Ontario
• Psoriasis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome