 |
MR Vol.14 No.2 indexに戻る
 |
MODERN RHEUMATOLOGY
Vol.14 No.2 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Efficacy and safety of the anti-TNF biologic
agents |
|
|
| Arthur L. Weaver1, 2 |
(1) Division of Rheumatology, University of
Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
(2) Present address: 9914 Weavers Point Road, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472, USA |
| |
| Abstract |
|
The last decade has seen a marked increase
in the elucidation of cellular and molecular factors involved in
chronic inflammatory processes that contribute to the pathogenesis
of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Multiple lines of evidence have demonstrated
a critical role for the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor
(TNF) in the perpetuation of inflammatory synovitis and the subsequent
destruction of cartilage and bone that leads to the functional disability
observed in RA. In the light of these discoveries, new therapeutics
have been developed to target TNF. The consistent efficacy demonstrated
by these agents for the treatment of RA has validated TNF as an important
mediator of the chronic inflammatory events and structural damage
that occur with the disease. Three of these agents (etanercept, infliximab,
and adalimumab) have been approved by the United States Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) over the last 5 years for treatment of
moderately to severely active RA. This article will first explain
the role of TNF in inflammation and RA, and then compare and contrast
the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of the various
FDA-approved TNF inhibitors, as well as offer potential explanations
for the clinical differences observed between these agents, especially
with regard to safety. |
| |
| Key words |
| Efficacy - Monoclonal antibodies - Safety - Soluble
receptors - Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors |
|
|
 |
|
|
