Certolizumab for rheumatoid arthritis.
This is a review of the pharmacology of certolizumab pegol and its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Certolizumab is a new anti-TNF-α biologic agent injected subcutaneously with an innovative molecular structure and unique pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. Data from controlled clinical trials indicate that the drug is effective in reducing disease activity and disability. It also inhibits radiographic progression. Certolizumab administration has an acceptable safety profile. The clinical data available suggest that the nature of adverse events is generally comparable to that of other TNF-α blockers. Given its rapid onset of action certolizumab presents an attractive alternative therapeutic option for patients with moderate to severe RA refractory to DMARDs.
Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. markatseli_d@yahoo.gr.
T E
TE
Markatseli
C
C
Papagoras
A
A
Nikoli
P V
PV
Voulgari
A A
AA
Drosos
D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D000068582:Certolizumab Pegol; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D000068582:Certolizumab Pegol