Efalizumab

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Efalizumab

Efalizumab (pronounced as /ɛfəˈlɪzʊmæb/) is a therapeutic antibody that was designed to treat autoimmune diseases. It was marketed under the brand name Raptiva by Genentech and Merck Serono.

Etymology

The name "Efalizumab" is derived from the International Nonproprietary Names (INN), where "Efa-" refers to its target, the effector function antigen, "-liz-" is a substem used for humanized antibodies, and "-mab" is a common ending for monoclonal antibodies.

Mechanism of Action

Efalizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that targets the CD11a subunit of LFA-1. It prevents the adhesion of leukocytes to other cell types, inhibiting the overactive immune response seen in autoimmune diseases.

Uses

Efalizumab was primarily used in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. However, it was withdrawn from the market in 2009 due to concerns about the risk of PML, a rare and usually fatal brain infection.

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