Infliximab: in ankylosing spondylitis.

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to tumour necrosis factor-alpha and blocks its biological activity. It is approved for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis.black triangle In well designed, placebo-controlled trials of 12 or 24 weeks' duration in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, more infliximab 5 mg/kg recipients achieved a response than placebo recipients according to Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment Study 20% (61.2% vs 19.2%) or Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50% (53% vs 9%) criteria (primary endpoints). black triangle Infliximab was also superior to placebo in terms of various secondary clinical endpoints and in reducing spinal inflammation (as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging).black triangle Prolonged efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with ankylosing spondylitis who received infliximab for up to 3 years.black triangle Infliximab is generally well tolerated in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, with most adverse events being of mild-to-moderate severity.