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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method
16:07

Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method

Published on: September 16, 2017

Current status of TNF blocking therapy in heart failure

S Gupta1, C D Tripathi

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists show conflicting results in congestive heart failure (CHF) trials. These agents may worsen heart failure in moderate to severe cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) has demonstrated adverse cardiovascular effects.
  • TNF-alpha antagonists neutralize this cytokine, potentially reversing negative impacts.
  • Clinical trial results for TNF-alpha antagonists in heart failure are inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze all reported clinical trials of TNF-alpha antagonists in congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • To compare the effects of these agents on clinical composite scores, hospitalizations, and mortality in CHF patients.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and analysis of published clinical trials involving TNF-alpha antagonists in CHF.
  • Comparison of outcomes including clinical composite score, CHF hospitalizations, and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Early studies suggested promising results for blocking TNF in heart failure.
  • Recent large-scale, placebo-controlled trials have not shown clinical improvement in heart failure.
  • Some trials reported worsening of heart failure symptoms with TNF-alpha antagonists.

Conclusions:

  • TNF-alpha antagonists may adversely affect the clinical condition of patients with moderate to severe heart failure.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the role and safety of TNF-alpha antagonists in CHF management.

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