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.