Efalizumab (Raptiva) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, which work by targeting and blocking certain proteins in the body. Efalizumab works by blocking the action of a type of white blood cell called a T-lymphocyte, which is involved in the overproduction of skin cells that occurs in psoriasis. It is given as an injection under the skin once a week. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and back pain.
Efalizumab, previously sold under the brand name Raptiva, was a medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, an autoimmune disease causing itchy, red, and scaly patches on the skin. However, it's important to note that it's no longer available due to safety concerns. Here's a breakdown of Efalizumab:
Type of Drug:
- Efalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody. [ monoclonal antibody - a lab-made protein designed to target specific cells or substances]
How it Worked:
- It targeted the CD11a subunit of a molecule called lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) present on immune cells.
- By binding to CD11a, Efalizumab prevented these cells from migrating to areas of inflammation in the skin, thereby reducing psoriasis symptoms.
Withdrawal from Market:
- Efalizumab was withdrawn from the market in 2009 due to an increased risk of a rare but severe brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
- PML is caused by the reactivation of a latent virus (JC virus) in the brain and can be fatal.
Current Alternatives:
- Several other medications and therapies are available for psoriasis, with a focus on those with a better safety profile compared to Efalizumab.
If you have any questions about psoriasis treatment options, consult a dermatologist.