Mount Sinai School of Medicine scientists conducted a meta-analysis of four randomized Phase III placebo-controlled trials involving the drug, which is marketed by Genentech Inc. (NYSE:DNA) as Raptiva. The researchers found efalizumab selectively and reversibly blocks the activation, reactivation and trafficking of T-cells that lead to the development of psoriasis and had an acceptable safety and efficacy profile.

Psoriasis occurs when new skin cells grow abnormally, resulting in thick, red, and scaly, inflamed patches. Patients with psoriasis are twice as likely to be overweight compared with the general population.

“Overweight and obese psoriasis patients have a higher unmet need than typical psoriasis patients and present unique treatment challenges,” said Dr. Mark Lebwohl, chairman of dermatology at Mount Sinai. “This patient subpopulation may have larger lesions and skin folds that limit the use of topical agents and phototherapy, as well as comorbidities … that restrict the use of some systemic agents. Our study shows that efalizumab … may be an excellent choice of therapy in heavy psoriasis patients.