Biologic Response Modifers
A new and separate class of disease modifying drugs was first marketed in the United States in 1998. The new class of drugs, known as Biologic Response Modifiers, stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight disease or infection.
Biologic response modifiers are medications which are derived from living sources as opposed to being synthesized chemicals. Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira, target the effects of TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha is one of the most important cytokines involved in rheumatoid arthritis through its entanglement in the cascade of inflammatory reactions. The BRMs bind to TNF-alpha, rendering it inactive, and interfering with inflammatory activity, ultimately decreasing joint damage. Kineret(anakinra), also a BRM, is considered an IL-1 antagonist.
Biologic Response Modifier: What is it?
Explanation of the new class of drugs to treat RA, known as biologic response modifiers. When BRMs became available, rheumatologists were initially optimistic and anticipated great results for many patients. Though the drugs are contraindicated for some patients, many rheumatoid arthritis patients have greatly benefited and found sustained relief while being treated with biologics. Several BRMs are also being used to treat other types of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions. The biologics are an important class of drugs and more are in development.
Enbrel: New Arthritis Drug Offers New Hope
Optimistic results from an ongoing study of the drug Enbrel were presented in 1997.
Enbrel & Remicade: Side By Side
A comparison of anti-TNF drugs, Enbrel and Remicade.
Enbrel FDA-Approved For Psoriatic Arthritis
Enbrel has been approved by the FDA for psoriatic arthritis. Enbrel is the first therapy to receive approval for reducing the signs and symptoms of active arthritis in people suffering with psoriatic arthritis. No other treatment had been specifically approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
Remicade Approved For RA By FDA
The FDA has approved the use of Remicade with methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Remicade Ineffective For CHF
Despite the huge success of Remicade in treating rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, the drug has unfortunately failed a 6-week Phase II clinical trial for another indication, congestive heart failure.
Awaiting Approval of Adalimumab
New fully human monoclonal antibody highly anticipated for RA.
FDA Approves HUMIRA
The third anti-TNF drug has been approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Humira (generic name adalimumab), was developed by Abbott Laboratories as part of a scientific collaboration with Cambridge Antibody, is the first human monoclonal antibody approved for reducing the signs and symptoms and inhibiting the progression of structural damage in adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an insufficient or inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Kineret Recommended For Approval
Amgen's biologic drug recommended for FDA approval.
What's ahead? Rituxan?
Rituxan Shows Sustained Benefit For RA In Phase II Trials
A single, short course of treatment with Rituxan (two infusions during the first 15 days of treatment) alone, or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or cyclophosphamide (CTX) improved symptoms in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis for up to 48 weeks, compared to methotrexate alone.
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