Dermatology

Efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech/Xoma) is a humanized monoclonal antibody of CD11a that exerts its effect through the blockade of the interaction between leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). FDA recently granted approval for efalizumab in the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults aged 18 years and older. Efalizumab does not achieve clinical response rates equal to cyclosporine or methotrexate, but it lacks the systemic organ toxicities of these agents and is associated with a more rapid onset of action (significant improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] response after 2 doses). In addition, efalizumab will likely compete with another approved biologic, alefacept, and off-label use of 2 other biologics currently on the market, etanercept and infliximab. At this time, until further studies comparing efalizumab to other drugs indicated for the treatment of psoriasis are completed and post-marketing surveillance is conducted, the agent?s place on the formulary remains unclear.

New molecular entities, new biologics and new formulations

First line treatment usualy begins with NSAIDs plus a DMARD, but combination therapy and new biologics hold great promise

Biologic therapy for continuous control of plaque psoriasis

New molecular entities and new formulations, FDA actions and generic approvals

Effective rare-disease management programs promise plans cost-effective care, better quality of life for patients

Recent approvals and FDA actions

Recent approvals and new indications

FMCP model urges plans to think outside the cost silo when making formulary decisions

NME: First biologic treatment approved for psoriasis

Alefacept (Amevive) is the first immunosuppressive agent directed specifically at inhibiting the activation of, and possibly killing, T cells, which are involved in the cascade of events leading to psoriatic plaque formation and inflammation. In May, an FDA advisory committee recommended alefacept for approval as a first-line therapy against moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The authors of this Focus article review the clinical characteristics of alefacept as well as make comparisons with other systemic drugs currently used to treat chronic psoriasis and the likely biologic competitors etanercept and infliximab.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent skin disease characterized by intense pruritis (itching) and inflammation. This supplement which was produced through an unrestricted educational grant from Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. provides you with an overview of the disease and the development of Topic Immunomodulators. The views and opinions expressed in this supplement do not necessarily reflect the views of Formulary.

An array of both existing and investigational biologic agents are showing efficacy in clearing psoriasis and may prove useful for long-term psoriasis management. So suggests a collection of studies presented at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held recently in New Orleans.

New indication: Biologic cleared for psoriatic arthritis

NME: Topical nonsteroid for second-line eczema Tx

Health plans demand more information to gauge real value of new pharmaceuticals.

New Indication: Oral contraceptive approved for acne

Forget the taboo. Sexually transmitted diseases are costing American employers just as much as more socially acceptable medical conditions. A panel of experts from the public and private sectors suggests actions.

Outside activities are lots of fun, to be sure, but also potentially expensive for employers because of increased medical and other costs due to skin cancer?the most common form of cancer in the United States.