Alefacept therapy produces remission for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

BACKGROUND: Alefacept, human LFA-3/IgG1 fusion protein, is a novel biological agent currently being developed for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Alefacept selectively reduces the memory-effector T cells that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease; as a result, alefacept is classified as a therapy that induces remission (so-called 'remittive' therapy). In a previously published randomized, placebo-controlled phase II study of intravenous alefacept in 229 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, clinical improvement was observed during dosing as well as in the postdosing follow-up period. OBJECTIVES: To assess the remission period following alefacept therapy. METHODS: The time before re-treatment was required was measured in patients who were 'clear' or 'almost clear' of disease according to a physician global assessment at the end of the follow-up phase. RESULTS: In these patients, responses were sustained for a median of 10 months, and for up to 18 months. No patient reported disease rebound after cessation of alefacept. CONCLUSIONS: Alefacept is a biological agent for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis that provides disease-free intervals and time off drug therapy.