TNF alpha inhibition as treatment modality for certain rheumatologic and gastrointestinal diseases.

With the development of biologicals that specifically target tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, our therapeutic approach to inflammatory diseases has dramatically changed. There are currently three anti-TNFalpha drugs available: etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. Etanercept is a recombinant fusion protein that can be used alone or in combination with other medications for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Infliximab, a chimeric humanized monoclonal antibody and adalimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody are approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and moderate to severe Crohn's disease. Infliximab is also approved for ulcerative colitis. Another anti-TNFalpha drug, certolizumab pegol, was declined approval as treatment option for active Crohn's disease due to a lack of sufficient efficacy. Phase III studies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients are still pending. It is the goal of this review article to summarize various therapeutic indications, underlying studies, safety, and use during pregnancy, as well as future directions for anti-TNF therapies.