Raptiva
Have you heard about this new treatment for psoriasis? Perhaps it
will be helpful for seb derm as well.
Tim
Description
XOMA and Genentech are co-developing Raptiva™ (efalizumab), a
humanized anti-CD11a monoclonal antibody, as a treatment for moderate-
to-severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other
indications. In ongoing and completed Phase III studies, Raptiva™ is
administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Development Basis
Raptiva™ inhibits the binding of immune system T-cells to other cell
types and targets three key processes in the cascade of events that
lead to autoimmune symptoms. These processes include: (1) binding of
T-cells through interactions with adhesion molecules on the
endothelial cell surface; (2) trafficking of T-cells to the affected
site (skin, joints, etc.); and (3) activation of T-cells. This triple
mechanism of action makes Raptiva™ a potentially useful treatment for
multiple autoimmune diseases.