Efalizumab: continuous therapy for chronic psoriasis

Efalizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the CD1 1 a subunit of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, specifically developed for psoriasis. Indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, efalizurnab is FDA-approved in the US for patients aged >= 18, as well as being approved in several other European countries. Clinical studies have proven the efficacy of efalizurnab for a majority of patients, improving quality of life with continuous maintenance therapy by means of weekly subcutaneous selfinjections. Controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and tolerability of efalizumab. Clinical trials have established that similar to 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.