From bedside to bench: The role of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents in the management of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

摘要

It has been over a decade since Health Canada approved infliximab (Remicade~R, Centocor Inc.), the first tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The approval of etanercept (Enbrel~R, Amgen Inc.) and adalimumab (Hurnira~R, Abbott Laboratories) followed shortly after, as well as a spectrum of other indications for this new therapeutic class. These agents not only revolutionized the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), but also contributed to our understanding of common underlying pathologies of these clinically dissimilar conditions.