Raptiva
Raptiva (efalizumab) is used to treat plaque psoriasis by suppressing the immune system. However, this suppression of the immune system can lead to dangerous and fatal infections including is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a rare brain infection that affects the central nervous system and is often fatal. Genentech, makers of Raptiva, pulled the drug from the U.S. market in 2009.
How Raptiva Works in Treating Psoriasis
The skin plaques in psoriasis develop when the immune system malfunctions, causing skin cells to grow too fast. T-cells must become inappropriately activated in the skin to start the improper immune response that signals the over production of skin cells and can also trigger inflammation. It is a complicated process within the body.
Raptiva short-circuits this process by interfering with T-cell function.
Why Raptiva is Dangerous
If Raptiva only interfered with the functioning of the problem T-cells involved in psoriasis it could be a great treatment. Unfortunately, it interferes with T-cell function throughout the body. Proper T-cell function is necessary for an effective immune system. Raptiva impairs your immune system leaving you open to life-threatening infections.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
PML is just one of the diseases that you may develop after using Raptiva. At least three Raptiva users have contracted PML and died from the disease. PML damages the protective covering of the nerves in the white matter of the brain causing a progressive decline in brain function and leading to death.
PML is caused by a virus called the JC virus (JCV). JCV is a common virus but only leads to PML in people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of PML include:
- Headaches
- Personality changes
- Memory loss
- Vision problems
- Weakness of the arms and legs
- Loss of coordination
- Aphasia - language difficulty
There is no cure for PML. Improving immune system function is the most effective treatment. In people with AIDS this can be very effective, reducing the mortality rate to about 50%. However, about 80% of do not have AIDS and get PML die within six months.
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