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Editorial
Tuberculosis and anti-TNF-α treatment
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  1. L P Ormerod
  1. Correspondence to:
    Professor L P Ormerod
    Chest Clinic, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancs BB2 3LR, UK; Peter.Ormerodmail.bhrv.nwest.nhs.uk

https://doi.org/10.1136/thx.2004.029991

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    New evidence-based guidance on anti-TNF-α treatment is being developed by the Joint Tuberculosis Committee of the BTS in conjunction with the British Societies of Rheumatology and Gastroenterology

    Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease has been introduced over the last few years. Infliximab (Remicade; Schering-Plough), a humanised monoclonal antibody, is licensed for the treatment of both rheumatoid arthritis1 and Crohn’s disease,2 while etanercept (Enbrel; Wyeth Laboratories), a fusion protein binding free TNF-α using the soluble portion of the TNFR-2 receptor,3 and adalimumab (Humira; Abbott Laboratories), a fully humanised monoclonal antibody,4 are licensed for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Post-marketing surveillance in the USA5 has identified cases of tuberculosis (TB) associated with infliximab use and a smaller number with etanercept. TB cases have also been reported in association with adalimumab (Humira prescribing information, Abbott Laboratories, 2002). The cases …

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