ABSTRACT
The need for systemic psoriasis therapies that are both effective and safe for long-term continuous use, together with advances in our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, have led to the development of new biologic therapies with more selective mechanisms of action that are likely to be associated with improved safety over traditional systemic agents. Efalizumab (Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA) was developed specifically for the treatment of psoriasis, being indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Efalizumab is FDA-approved in the United States for patients aged ≥8, as well as being approved in more than 65 countries, including Australia, Canada, most of Europe, and several Asian and Latin American countries (1). Efalizumab may potentially offer patients a safe option for long-term safe control in managing psoriasis (2).
