Efalizumab Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more

Humanized IgG1 kappa isotype monoclonal antibody that binds to human CD11a. Efalizumab has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kilodaltons and is produced in a Chinese hamster ovary mammalian cell expression system in a nutrient medium containing the antibiotic gentamicin.

Lymphocyte activation and trafficking to skin play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic plaque psoriasis. In psoriatic skin, ICAM-1 cell surface expression is upregulated on endothelium and keratinocytes. Raptiva inhibits the binding of LFA-1 to the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), thereby inhibiting the adhesion of leukocytes to other cell types.

Trade Name	Efalizumab
Availability	Discontinued
Generic	Efalizumab
Efalizumab Other Names	anti-CD11a, antiCD11 alpha, Efalizumab
Related Drugs	Humira, Otezla, Cosentyx, methotrexate, Enbrel, Remicade, Stelara, cyclosporine, infliximab
Type
Groups	Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated:	January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am

Uses

Efalizumab is a monoclonal anti-CD11a antibody used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

For the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis, who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.

Efalizumab is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

How Efalizumab works

Efalizumab binds to CD11a, a subunit of leukocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1), which is expressed on all leukocytes. As a result efalizumab decreases cell surface expression of CD11a.