Tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: clinical practice pharmacology.
In the last 10 years, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy has become a cornerstone in the management of autoimmune diseases. Clinical trial data have consistently found that infliximab, adalimumab, and recently certolizumab pegol offer therapeutic benefits to patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Recent understanding on how these monoclonal antibodies evoke changes at the physiological and molecular levels have provided insights into disease pathogenesis and helped to identify new targets for future drug therapy. With increased experience in the use of these anti-TNF-α antibodies the long-term safety data, use in pregnancy have become available. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding anti-TNF-α therapies for clinicians caring for patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, 2-14A Zeidler Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8, Canada.
Thomas W
TW
Lee
Richard N
RN
Fedorak
D000068879:Adalimumab; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068582:Certolizumab Pegol; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069285:Infliximab; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D000069285:Infliximab; D000068879:Adalimumab; D000068582:Certolizumab Pegol