bpj24_tnf_pages24-27：bpj24_tnf_pages24-27.pdfVIP

.nz keyword: TNF TNF inhibitors: an update Tumour necrosis factor Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is an inflammatory cytokine Adalimumab contains only human proteins and is involved in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory administered by subcutaneous injection, usually every or immune mediated conditions. two weeks. Infliximab contains both human and mouse proteins and is administered by intravenous infusion every eight weeks.1 TNF inhibitors available in New Zealand Adalimumab (Humira) and infliximab (Remicade) are both Etanercept (Enbrel) is a genetically engineered human monoclonal antibodies active against TNF. They neutralise soluble TNF receptor that works by binding to TNF and the inflammatory effect of TNF by binding to it and inhibiting blocking its activity.2 It is given by subcutaneous injection binding with its target receptor. twice weekly. 24 | BPJ | Issue 24 Place in therapy Adalimumab funded for more indications TNF inhibitors are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, severe In addition to being subsidised for the treatment of psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and juvenile idiopathic arthritis severe rheumatoid arthritis, access to subsidised when there is high disease activity despite a full trial of adalimumab (Humira) has recently become conventional therapies. widened to include last-line treatment of ankylosing