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01-04-2011 | Review

Adalimumab (Humira^™): a promising monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha in ophthalmology

Authors: Piergiorgio Neri, Manuela Zucchi, Pia Allegri, Marta Lettieri, Cesare Mariotti, Alfonso Giovannini

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 2/2011

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a key soluble mediator involved in the inflammatory cascade of many disorders including uveitis. Among the anti-TNF-α agents, one of the most used in immune-mediated diseases, such as inflammatory arthropathies, is adalimumab (Humira^™, Abbott Pharmaceutical Inc.), a fully humanized antibody. The purpose of this review is to analyze the main pharmacological and clinical aspects of adalimumab and its efficacy both in systemic and ocular inflammatory disorders. Adalimumab was effective in treating several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. In recent years, adalimumab has been used successfully in refractory cases of intraocular inflammation. Moreover, this biological agent showed good safety and efficacy profiles in ocular use including childhood uveitis. Switching from other anti-TNF-α agents to adalimumab may offer several advantages, such as easier administration, better patient compliance, and lower rate of adverse events. Adalimumab is a promising drug for the therapy of uveitis, although further studies are needed on its application in uveitis.

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Title: Adalimumab (Humira™): a promising monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha in ophthalmology
Authors: Piergiorgio Neri
Manuela Zucchi
Pia Allegri
Marta Lettieri
Cesare Mariotti
Alfonso Giovannini
Publication date: 01-04-2011
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-011-9430-3

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Adalimumab (Humira^™): a promising monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha in ophthalmology

Abstract

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Abstract

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