Efalizumab (Raptiva) Controversy

Efalizumab (brand name Raptiva) is an antibody-based immunomodulator that was specifically designed to inhibit the activation and reactivation of T lymphocytes, which are the white blood cells that induce psoriasis. Despite the effectiveness of efalizumab, this product was withdrawn from the market due to reports of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a deadly viral disorder that is characterized by inflammation of parts of the brain, mainly the white matter.

Psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, is a skin disorder that affects an estimated 7.5 million Americans, and it imposes a financial burden estimated at 11.25 billion annually in the United States alone due to medical costs and loss of earnings. This immune-mediated skin disorder is characterized by itchy, red skin patches, as well as papules that possibly affect ...