Title:TNF as a Target of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Author(s): Hisashi Yamanaka
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cytokine, inflammation, molecular target, rheumatoid arthritis, receptor.
Abstract: Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) agents were the first molecular targeting drugs
developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-TNF agents improve the clinical
picture of severe RA patients, inhibit joint destruction and improve quality of life. In the 15 years
since their introduction, they have become the preferred drug therapy for management of RA. The
success of anti-TNF agents in the treatment of RA has resulted in the development of many drugs for
other inflammatory diseases using the same molecular targeting concept. However, many unresolved
issues surround the use of anti-TNF agents, including the risk for infection, primary non-responders,
secondary loss of efficacy and pharmacoeconomical issues. This review focuses on the multifaceted
impact of anti-TNF agents in the treatment of RA.