Plaque psoriasis patients present positive data

US biotech companies Genentech and Xoma have released preliminary 30-month (120 weeks) results from an open-label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of long-term continuous treatment with Raptiva (efalizumab) in adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The results of this study suggest that continuous, weekly dosing of Raptiva provided sustained clinical benefit over 2 1/2 years.

Of the 159 subjects participating in the study who completed 30 months of treatment, a 75% or greater improvement on the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 75) was observed in 78% of patients with weekly Raptiva therapy. 91% of patients achieved a PASI 50 response, and 45% of patients achieved a 90% or greater PASI improvement (PASI 90).

'Given that psoriasis is a chronic condition, dermatologists are looking for treatment options that can provide these patients with continuous control of their disease over the long-term,' said Dr Craig Leonardi, associate clinical professor of dermatology at St. Louis University Medical School, St. Louis, Mo, and a study investigator. 'These data represent the first 30-month data available for any advanced therapy for plaque psoriasis and support the continued use of Raptiva as an important treatment option for patients afflicted with this chronic disease.'