Marketed by Genentech as Raptiva® - Efalizumab - a humanized therapeutic antibody designed to selectively and reversibly block the activation, reactivation and trafficking of T-cells that lead to the development of psoriasis - has been found safe and effective for heavy psoriasis treatment as confirmed by the meta-analysis of four Phase III clinical trials.

According to Dr. Mark Lebwohl, Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine:

"Overweight and obese psoriasis patients have a higher unmet need than typical psoriasis patients and present unique treatment challenges.

This patient subpopulation may have larger lesions and skin folds that limit the use of topical agents and phototherapy, as well as comorbidities such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases that restrict the use of some systemic agents.

Our study shows that Efalizumab, because of its weight-based dosing and long-term safety profile, may be an excellent choice of therapy in heavy psoriasis patients."

In October 2003, Raptiva® has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults 18 years or older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Psoriasis occurs when new skin cells grow abnormally, resulting in thick, red, and scaly, inflamed patches. Patients with this condition are twice as likely to be overweight compared to the general population.

[They often gain weight because the disease limits their physical activity, or erodes their self-esteem and causes depression, leading the patient to eat excessively. Obesity is also associated with more severe psoriasis.]

Source: Science Daily

[Photo Credit: pharmj.com]