Review
Golimumab, the newest TNF-α blocker, comes of age
C. Papagoras1, P.V. Voulgari2, A.A. Drosos3
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; and Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
- Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
- Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
CER7741
2015 Vol.33, N°4
PI 0570, PF 0577
Review
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PMID: 25602858 [PubMed]
Received: 14/07/2014
Accepted : 03/10/2014
In Press: 20/01/2015
Published: 21/07/2015
Abstract
Golimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is one of the newest biologics that has become available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Following the initial randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials, which demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the drug in the context of a limited patient sample and a relatively short time frame, golimumab has been the focus of continuous investigation through the extensions of the above-mentioned trials, new clinical trials and registries of biologic drug use in daily clinical practice. The review of this data and their inclusion in meta-analyses and indirect comparisons across TNF-α blockers suggest that golimumab possesses similar properties regarding efficacy and safety as the older monoclonal anti-TNF-α antibodies. The novelty of golimumab is perhaps its dosing regimen, i.e. subcutaneous self-administration once monthly, which allows for the least disturbance in the life of patients.
