A Practical Approach to the Use of Alefacept

Abstract

Alefacept is a recombinant, fully human immunoglobulin G1 fusion protein indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in patients who are also candidates for other biologics or phototherapy. Alefacept is considered by many authorities to be one of the safest biologic agents available to treat psoriasis. The drug, marketed and distributed as Amevive, is a leukocyte function antigen-3 fusion protein that selectively binds the CD2 receptor, consequently causing T-cell suppression with resulting clinical improvement of psoriasis. It is commonly administered as an intramuscular injection given weekly for a period of 12 weeks. This article serves as a practical outline for the major uses and indications of alefacept while also highlighting its unique mechanism of action and side effect profile.