Revolutionary change in rheumatoid arthritis management with biological therapy

Keio J Med. 2011;60(3):75-81. doi: 10.2302/kjm.60.75.

Abstract

Biological agents targeting a specific molecule have extraordinarily fine specificity and powerful functional capabilities. By the introduction of biological therapy, management of rheumatoid arthritis has undergone a revolution and a paradigm shift. In this review, I will summarize the role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis of the molecules targeted by biological agents. Providing evidence obtained in clinical trials and investigator-initiated clinical studies in Japan, the effectiveness and safety of biological therapy in rheumatoid arthritis are discussed. Finally, studies aiming at a personalized strategy with biological agents are listed and the future perspectives toward tailor-made medicine in the field of rheumatology are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antirheumatic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology
  • Biological Therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / pharmacology
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Etanercept