| pubmed-article:15833076 | pubmed:abstractText | 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. | lld:pubmed |
