Genentech, Inc. has presented final results from a long-term study that showed sustained improvement in psoriasis symptoms throughout three years of continuous treatment with Raptiva (efalizumab). This three-year study is the longest study of psoriasis patients receiving continuous treatment with a biologic agent, the official release said here.

"Raptiva is the first biologic therapy to show sustained benefit for psoriasis patients treated continuously over a three-year period," Craig Leonardi, associate clinical professor of dermatology at St. Louis University Medical School, St. Louis, Mo., and a study investigator said adding, "Given that psoriasis is a chronic disease, as dermatologists we must weigh the efficacy and safety of different treatment options over the long term. It is encouraging to see a consistent safety profile for Raptiva in this three-year open-label study."

The 36-month, Phase IIIb open-label study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of continuous treatment with Raptiva in adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The results were presented as a poster at the American Association of Dermatology ACADEMY 2005 meeting in New Orleans.

In the study, 75 per cent (113/151) of patients showed a 75 per cent or greater improvement on the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 75) and
41 per cent of patients (62/151) showed a 90 per cent or greater PASI improvement (PASI 90).

Raptiva (efalizumab) is a humanized therapeutic antibody designed to selectively and reversibly block the activation, reactivation and trafficking of T-cells that lead to the development of psoriasis. In October 2003, Raptiva received US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults 18 years or older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.