Title:Biologic Therapy in Inflammatory Immunomediated Systemic Diseases: Safety Profile
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Author(s): Gianluca Moroncini, Lisa Albani, Lorenzo Nobili and Armando Gabrielli
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Belimumab, imatinib, infliximab, rituximab, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc),
systemic vasculitis, tocilizumab.
Abstract: The discovery of some key molecular mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of the immune system
responsible for inflammatory systemic diseases as severe as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Systemic Sclerosis
(SSc), and Systemic Vasculitides, led to the development and subsequent introduction into clinical practice of biological
drugs which are significantly improving the management of such complex disorders. This novel molecular targeted
therapeutics represents in fact a valid alternative or complementary treatment to conventional immunosuppressive
strategies, characterized by broad, unspecific actions and severe adverse effects. Main advantages of the use of biologic
drugs reside in their steroid-sparing effect and in the ability of inducing remission of refractory disease states or curing
specific organ involvements. Aim of this article is to review and briefly discuss the scientific evidence supporting the use
of biologics in these diseases, with a particular emphasis on their efficacy and safety profile compared to the canonical
drugs.
