Alefacept was the first biological agent approved by the
Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriasis.
Alefacept was initially approved as an intravenous and
intramuscular medication. It is available only as an intramuscular
medication. Alefacept is an immunosuppressive dimeric
fusion protein that consists of the extracellular CD2-binding
portion of the human leukocyte function antigen-3 linked to
the Fc (hinge, CH2, CH3 domains) portion of human immunoglobulin
G.1 Alefacept selectively blocks the leukocyte
function antigen-3:CD2 costimulatory pathway, which is important
in the reactivation of memory effector T cells. Alefacept
also reduces the number of memory effector T cells in
the blood and in the skin.2
Alefacept is indicated for the treatment of adult patients
with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are
candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. The recommended
dose of alefacept is 15 mg given once weekly as an
intramuscular (IM) injection. The approved regimen is a
course of 12 weekly injections. Retreatment with an additional
12-week course may be initiated if CD4 T lymphocyte
counts are within the normal range and a minimum of a
12-week interval has passed since the previous course of
treatment. Alefacept is Pregnancy category B. It should only
be used when clinically indicated in pregnant women and
nursing mothers.
Alefacept was the first biological agent approved by the
Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriasis.
Alefacept was initially approved as an intravenous and
intramuscular medication. It is available only as an intramuscular
medication. Alefacept is an immunosuppressive dimeric
fusion protein that consists of the extracellular CD2-binding
portion of the human leukocyte function antigen-3 linked to
the Fc (hinge, CH2, CH3 domains) portion of human immunoglobulin
G.1 Alefacept selectively blocks the leukocyte
function antigen-3:CD2 costimulatory pathway, which is important
in the reactivation of memory effector T cells. Alefacept
also reduces the number of memory effector T cells in
the blood and in the skin.2
Alefacept is indicated for the treatment of adult patients
with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are
candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. The recommended
dose of alefacept is 15 mg given once weekly as an
intramuscular (IM) injection. The approved regimen is a
course of 12 weekly injections. Retreatment with an additional
12-week course may be initiated if CD4 T lymphocyte
counts are within the normal range and a minimum of a
12-week interval has passed since the previous course of
treatment. Alefacept is Pregnancy category B. It should only
be used when clinically indicated in pregnant women and
nursing mothers.