Anti-TNF-α Inhibitors: A New Therapeutic Approach for Inflammatory Immune-Mediated Diseases: An Update upon Efficacy and Adverse Events

• Published in: International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology 2009-07, Vol.22 (3), p.557-565
• Main Authors: Murdaca, G., Colombo, B.M., Puppo, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adalimumab; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - adverse effects; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use; Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Drug Therapy, Combination; Etanercept; Humans; Immunoglobulin G - therapeutic use; Inflammation - drug therapy; Inflammation - immunology; Infliximab; Opportunistic Infections - etiology; Patient Selection; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor - therapeutic use; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis - etiology; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - antagonists & inhibitors
• ISSN: 0394-6320; 2058-7384
• DOI: 10.1177/039463200902200301

The ongoing progresses in the knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of various inflammatory or immune-mediated diseases and the availability of innovative biotechnological approaches have lead to the development of new drugs which add to conventional treatments. TNF-α inhibitors (Infliximab, Adalimumab and Etanercept) have demonstrated efficacy either as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-inflammatory or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The efficacy and safety profile of the TNF-α inhibitors can be considered, in general, as a class effect. Nevertheless, some differences may exist among the three agents. In this paper, we will briefly review the indications for the use of the three TNF-α inhibitors, the pre-treatment considerations and the reported adverse events.