Genentech Says Study Shows Positive Results in Plaque Psoriasis Patients

Genentech has presented final results from a long-term study that showed sustained improvement in psoriasis symptoms throughout three years of continuous treatment with Raptiva. This three-year study is the longest study of psoriasis patients receiving continuous treatment with a biologic agent.

The 36-month, Phase IIIb open-label study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of continuous treatment with Raptiva (efalizumab) in adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The results were presented as a poster at the American Association of Dermatology Academy 2005 meeting in New Orleans.

At 33 months, of the 151 patients who remained in the study and continued to receive weekly Raptiva therapy, 75 percent (113/151) showed a 75 percent or greater improvement on the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 75). Roughly 41 percent of patients (62/151) showed a 90 percent or greater PASI improvement (PASI 90).