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