title: New biologics in the management of Crohn's disease: focus on certolizumab pegol.
abstract: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition involving the gastrointestinal tract characterized by recurrent exacerbations and remission. The disease frequently occurs in the lower part of the small bowel, but can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The traditional goals of treatment of Crohn's disease were to induce and maintain clinical remission. More recently targets such as mucosal healing, reduced hospitalization and surgery, and improved quality of life are becoming increasingly achievable. The general principles for treatment should consider clinical activity, site and behavior of disease; however, the appropriate choice of medication depends on many factors that are the best tailored to the individual patient. This review focuses on certolizumab pegol, the first Fc-free PEGylated Fab' fragment of humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes human tumor necrosis factor alpha. Data on indication, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and influence on quality of life are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Gastroenterology.
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bossa
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Latiano
authors.forename: Orazio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Palmieri
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andriulli
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Annese