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Efalizumab (Raptiva)
Efalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks CD11a on T cells, preventing their activation and migration to the skin.
Efalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks CD11a on T cells, preventing their activation and migration to the skin. Used for Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Efalizumab (Raptiva) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Raptiva |
| Sponsor | Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany |
| Drug class | Monoclonal antibody (anti-CD11a) |
| Target | CD11a (LFA-1 alpha subunit) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology/Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Efalizumab binds to CD11a (the alpha subunit of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, LFA-1) on T lymphocytes, inhibiting their interaction with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells and antigen-presenting cells. This prevents T cell activation, proliferation, and migration into inflamed tissue, thereby reducing the pathogenic immune response in psoriasis.
Approved indications
- Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
Common side effects
- Headache
- Infection (including serious infections)
- Thrombocytopenia
- Worsening psoriasis
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- PsoBest - The German Psoriasis Registry
- Spanish Registry of Systemic Treatments in Psoriasis
- Study of the Drug Efalizumab (Raptiva), for Adult Patients With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis (PHASE3)
- Prevention of Autoimmune Destruction and Rejection of Human Pancreatic Islets Following Transplantation for Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus of the Scalp and a Trial of Biologic Therapy With Raptiva (PHASE2)
- Efalizumab for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis (PHASE1)
- Evaluate Whether Combination Therapy With Methotrexate and Raptiva in Psoriasis Patients is Safe and Increases Efficacy (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Multicentre, Open Label Phase IIIb/IV Study of Subcutaneously Administered Raptiva in the Treatment of Adult Subjects With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Efalizumab (Raptiva) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Efalizumab (Raptiva) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany portfolio CI