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Biologic therapies in rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract

Our growing understanding of the immune response mechanism has created a wave of novel biologic agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The domain of biologic agents includes: 1) Recombinant regulatory cytokines; 2) engineered molecules and monoclonal antibodies that target proinflammatory cytokines; 3) monoclonal antibodies against lymphocyte cell-surface proteins; 4) fusion proteins and monoclonal antibodies that block the second signal and induce anergy; 5) vaccines comprised of specific proteins from lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells; 6) monoclonal antibodies that block intercellular adhesion; and 6) gene therapy whereby antiarthritis genes are introduced directly into the joint. Most treatments remain under investigation; however, in 1998 two antagonists of tumor necrosis factor were approved marking the first approvals of antirheumatic biologic agents. For the first time anti-rheumatic therapies are being designed instead of borrowed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, 90095-1670, Los Angeles, CA

    Ken J. Bulpitt MD (Associate Professor of Medicine)

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  1. Ken J. Bulpitt MD
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Bulpitt, K.J. Biologic therapies in rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 1, 157–163 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-999-0013-5

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