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[Inhibitors of TNFalpha]
1Service de rhumatologie, hôpital Foch, 40, rue Worth, 92150, Suresnes, France. c.brousse@hopital-foch.org <c.brousse@hopital-foch.org>
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|March 26, 2003
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) inhibitors like etanercept and infliximab show promise for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. While effective, these biologic drugs increase infection risk, warranting further research for other inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Rheumatology
Context:
- Biologic therapies, specifically Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) inhibitors, represent a significant advancement in treating inflammatory diseases.
- Etanercept and infliximab are key examples, administered via subcutaneous injection and intravenous infusion, respectively.
Purpose:
- To review the current indications, administration methods, and safety profiles of etanercept and infliximab.
- To highlight their efficacy in specific autoimmune conditions and identify areas for future investigation.
Summary:
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) inhibitors etanercept and infliximab are indicated for severe rheumatoid arthritis resistant to methotrexate and Crohn's disease refractory to immunosuppressants.
- These biologic agents have a generally favorable safety profile, though they are associated with an increased risk of infections.
Impact:
- These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of TNFa inhibitors in managing debilitating inflammatory conditions.
- Further research is needed to explore the expanded use of these agents in other inflammatory diseases and to fully characterize their long-term safety.
- The study emphasizes the importance of balancing treatment efficacy with potential risks, particularly infection susceptibility.