[Adalimumab]

Recently, the anti-tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-alpha treatments for RA are successful in alleviating the discomforts associated with swollen, painful joints. Adalimumab(D2E7) is the first fully human anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody(IgG1). Therefore, it has low immunogenicity and possibly greater therapeutic potential compared with other anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. This is administered subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mg/kg biweekly. The combined therapy with methotrexate(MTX) is efficacious to the patients who receive MTX alone and are insufficient to control symptoms of RA. The therapeutic effects become evident within 24 hours to one week after administration and reached maximum effect after one to two weeks. In adalimumab recipient, radiographic progression is also controlled and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and MMP-3 decrease. For patients with RA, the treatment of adalimumab will set a new standard for symptom control and joint protection.