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Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis: The T-Cell–Targeted Therapies—Efalizumab and Alefacept
During the past several years, a new generation of therapies for psoriasis has been in development. These biologic therapies target the activity of T lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature of this disease. The first article of this 2-part update reviewed the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, infliximab and etanercept. In this article, we will review 2 therapies that target the T cell, efalizumab and alefacept.
During the past several years, a new generation of therapies for psoriasis has been in development. These biologic therapies target the activity of T lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature of this disease. The first article of this 2-part update reviewed the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, infliximab and etanercept. In this article, we will review 2 therapies that target the T cell, efalizumab and alefacept.
During the past several years, a new generation of therapies for psoriasis has been in development. These biologic therapies target the activity of T lymphocytes and cytokines responsible for the inflammatory nature of this disease. The first article of this 2-part update reviewed the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, infliximab and etanercept. In this article, we will review 2 therapies that target the T cell, efalizumab and alefacept.
Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis: The Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors—Infliximab and Etanercept
During the past several years, one of the major focuses in psoriasis research has been the development of novel biologic therapies for this disease. The aim of these therapies is to provide selective, immunologically directed intervention, with the hope that such specificity will result in fewer side effects than traditional therapies. In this 2-part review, we present an update on the progress of the 4 biologic agents that most likely will be the first available for clinical use: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept. The structure and mechanism of each drug will be reviewed, as well as the most recent clinical experience and safety data. The first article of this review will focus on the therapies that inhibit tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).
During the past several years, one of the major focuses in psoriasis research has been the development of novel biologic therapies for this disease. The aim of these therapies is to provide selective, immunologically directed intervention, with the hope that such specificity will result in fewer side effects than traditional therapies. In this 2-part review, we present an update on the progress of the 4 biologic agents that most likely will be the first available for clinical use: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept. The structure and mechanism of each drug will be reviewed, as well as the most recent clinical experience and safety data. The first article of this review will focus on the therapies that inhibit tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).
During the past several years, one of the major focuses in psoriasis research has been the development of novel biologic therapies for this disease. The aim of these therapies is to provide selective, immunologically directed intervention, with the hope that such specificity will result in fewer side effects than traditional therapies. In this 2-part review, we present an update on the progress of the 4 biologic agents that most likely will be the first available for clinical use: infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, and alefacept. The structure and mechanism of each drug will be reviewed, as well as the most recent clinical experience and safety data. The first article of this review will focus on the therapies that inhibit tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).