The data show that Raptiva therapy had a sustained effect in those patients who responded to the initial 12-week treatment (82%). A 75% improvement in the disease, as measured by the standard Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (PASI-75), was achieved in 73% of responders (as-treated analysis) after three years of continuous therapy. Raptiva was generally well tolerated during the treatment period of up to three years.
Anton Hoos, Merck Serono’s head of global development, said: “We see a positive benefit-risk-profile for Raptiva. The results of this unique study indicate the efficacy of Raptiva in this indication as well as its stable long-term safety profile.”