TNF inhibitors: a review of the recent patent literature.
Overproduction of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is implicated in a wide range of pathological conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis and stroke. This review focuses on recent developments in the patent literature, which are aimed principally at the suppression of TNF release. The review will separately detail the development of biological agents, such as soluble TNF receptors and engineered antibodies, and small molecules, which primarily target TNF.
Watson
Bob
B
Celltech Group Ltd, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB1 6GS, UK. bobwatson@cam.celltechgroup.com