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Recent Study Shows Treatment-Free Periods with New Biologic, Alefacept for Psoriasis TORONTO, ON -- March 31, 2004 -- According to a recently published study, a new biologic therapy offers an effective and safe opportunity for 'treatment free' periods for patients suffering from chronic plaque psoriasis1. The study, co-authored by Dr. Richard Langley at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, demonstrated that alefacept, through its unique targeted mechanism of action, can provide patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, on average, over seven months of remission. The study concluded that long-term control of the disease, without the need for routine or maintenance therapy, can be achieved with alefacept. In other words, patients who have previously suffered from even a severe case of psoriasis can enjoy living without lesions for a long period of time without the need for continuous treatment. "We, as dermatologists, are looking for safe and effective long term treatment options for psoriasis sufferers and alefacept is a breakthrough medication in this regard," says Dr. Charles Lynde, a practicing dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology in Toronto, ON, and current President of the Canadian Dermatology Association. "Alefacept will be the first biologic specifically geared toward psoriasis and dermatologists, while other current biologics are focusing on arthritis and the rheumatology specialty." Psoriasis in Canada Recent data has shown that psoriasis, which affects an estimated one million Canadians, can be more physically challenging than diabetes or heart disease. It can also be as psychologically debilitating as depression2. Recent survey results released by the Psoriasis Society of Canada indicated that over 30% of Canadian psoriasis patients suffer a severe to very severe form of the disease. The Canada-wide mail survey of 1108 patients showed that over 90% of psoriasis sufferers experienced significant quality of life issues associated with the condition. More importantly, over 70% of respondents were not satisfied with the treatments currently available. Psoriasis occurs when a defect in the immune system triggers skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than the normal rate. It is characterized by sharply defined, raised, reddened 'plaques' with silvery, scaly coverings, which can cover from 10-90% of the afflicted patient's body surface area. These plaques can be painful, unsightly and persist for long periods of time. The scalp, trunk of the body, the arms and legs are usual sites of psoriasis, but it can also affect the palms, soles of the feet and nails. Alefacept During Phase III clinical trials 3,4 alefacept was safe and effective in significantly reducing psoriasis lesions when compared to placebo. Alefacept has a targeted mechanism of action addressing the root cause of psoriasis resulting in remission. Unlike several biologics, which have a more generalized suppressive effect, and therefore would have to be taken continuously, alefacept can provide patients with the opportunity for a 'holiday' from continuous treatment. Repeated courses of alefacept were well tolerated1,4. The results of the Phase III clinical trials are currently under review by Health Canada. In Canada, Biogen Idec, continues to make a substantial research investment in the Canadian dermatology community. With alefacept, the investment in clinical trials with dermatologists has been one of the largest ever in Canada. References: 1 Remittive effects of intramuscular alefacept in psoriasis. Kenneth B Gordon and Richard Langley. Journal of Drug in Dermatology 2003: 2:5;494-500. 2 Psoriasis causes as much disability as other major medical diseases. Rapp SR, Feldman SR, Exum ML, Fleischer AB Jr, Reboussin DM. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999;41(3 Pt 1):401-407. 3 An international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial of intramuscular alefacept in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Lebwohl M, et al. Arch Dermatol. 2003;139: 719-727. 4 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of 2 courses of alefacept in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Krueger Gerald G., et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002; 47: 821-833. Biogen Idec is a trademark of Biogen Idec Inc. SOURCE: Karisma Communications E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version