Biologicals for psoriasis showing promise in long-term treatment

Researchers at the Summer Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology [Anaheim, US; July 2001] reported the continued clinical promise of two new biological agents that interfere with the molecular cascade of events underlying plaque psoriasis. These new studies show that the human LFA-3/immunoglobulinG-1 fusion protein alefacept, and the anti-CD11a monoclonal antibody efalizumab ['Xanelim'], appear to be effective in reducing the severity of the disease over extended periods of use. In one study, researchers reported success in the retreatment of patients with a second course of alefacept, a critical accomplishment given that the drug is being developed to be delivered by intermittent therapy.