title: Rescue of DMARD failures by means of monoclonal antibodies or biological agents.
abstract: Over the past decade different monoclonal antibodies or other biological agents have been developed to complete the available therapeutic repertoire for treating RA patients. Thus, monoclonal antibodies to block the TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha receptor fusion proteins, respectively, have been successfully applied in the treatment of RA patients refractory to other treatment principles. In addition, using the IL-1 receptor antagonist, similar promising data have been obtained in placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Initial attempts are presently being conducted to test combination therapies, using monoclonal antibodies directed against the proinflammatory cytokines and cell surface molecules, and long-acting rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate. Hopefully within the next few years newly developed biological agents will be available for use in daily clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kalden
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D003094:Collagen