alefacept

BeschreibungAlefacept is a recombinant human LFA3-Ig-G1 fusion protein that blocks the T-cell CD2 receptor preventing T-cell proliferation, a key mechanism in psoriasis. It was launched in the US for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. It is a dimeric fusion protein consisting of the LFA-3 (leukocyte function antigen-3) and Fc (hinge, CH2 and CH3) portion of human IgG1 and has been produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and NS- 0 myeloma cell lines. In transgenic mice expressing human CD2, alefacept demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting antigen and mitogen-induced T-cell response. In the baboon cardiac-graft survival model alefacept, dosed 3 mpk intravenously for 12 days and treatment initiated two days before graft surgery, increased the mean survival of the transplanted hearts from 10.6 days (placebo) to 18.0 days (treatment group). In all clinical trials, improvement in PASI scores were noted and a long-lasting effect was noted. Thus this agent does not require chronic, maintenance dosing in all patients. Clinical studies for repeat courses (second twelve weeks) showed additional improvement. It has a half-life of 12 days, is dosed once weekly by injection either subcutaneously or intramuscularly and is approved for 12-week regimen. Side effects limit the use of current treatments such as phototherapy, cyclosporin, and methotrexate. Thus far, alefacept has been well tolerated.

VerwendenTreatment of plaque psoriasis.