Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Practice Pharmacology

In the last 10 years, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy has become a cornerstone in the management of autoimmune diseases Clinical trial data have consistently found that infliximab adalimumab and recently certolizumab pegol offer therapeutic benefits to patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn s disease and ulcerative colitis) Recent understanding on how these monoclonal antibodies evoke changes at the physiological and molecular levels have provided insights into disease pathogenesis and helped to identify new targets for future drug therapy With increased experience in the use of these anti-TNF-alpha antibodies the long-term safety data, use in pregnancy have become available This article provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding anti-INF-alpha therapies for clinicians caring for patients with Crohn s disease and ulcerative colitis