Alefacept

What is alefacept?

Alefacept is no longer available. Astellas Pharma US Inc. (Astellas) voluntarily discontinued the promotion, manufacturing, distribution and Amevive® sales. This information page is for historical interest only.

Alefacept belongs to the class of biological response modifiers called T cell Blockers The Amevive® product was approved in the US for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in 2003. Clinical trials showed significant improvement in psoriasis after a single 12-week treatment, with some patients requiring no treatment again for several months. This supports the use of alefacept as intermittent therapy for chronic and recurrent psoriasis. In 2011, the manufacturers made the decision to stop promoting, manufacturing, distributing and selling Amevive.

How does alefacept work?

Alefacept is genetically modified from human proteins. It works by blocking T cell activation and proliferation by binding to CD2 receptors on T cells. This prevents T cells from being released cytokines, Which is the primary cause of inflammation, redness, itching and scaly skin patches characteristic of psoriasis.

How is alefacept given?

Alefacept is given by intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection under the supervision of a doctor. Both routes are equally effective in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. The IM dose (15 mg) or the IV bolus dose (7.5 mg) is given once a week for 12 consecutive weeks. This is followed by a 12-week observation period. A second course can be given at any time after this observation period. Sometimes the interval between treatments can be extended, especially if patients also follow a current management plan for your psoriasis. Typically, patients will request a repeat course of alefacept when they have lost more than half of their maximum improvement.

While a patient is receiving alefacept, laboratory monitoring of their lymphocyte Counting (T cells) at weekly intervals is recommended.

Precautions if you are taking alefacept

Because alefacept works by selectively selecting only those chemicals involved in causing psoriasis arthritis or psoriasis, theoretically it shouldn't have an effect on the rest of the body's immune system. Still, caution should be exercised when considering its use in patients prone to infection or in those with chronic or recurrent infections. Compared to other biological response modifiers, alefacept may pose a lower risk of infections.

Alefacept side effects

Alefacept appears to be very well tolerated by IM and IV administration. Side effects were comparable or less during the repeated courses relative to the first course. The most common side effect was chills, which tended to occur within 24 hours of administration and only occurred in the first two doses of the 12-week course.