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Adalimumab (Humira™): a promising monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha in ophthalmology

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Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a key soluble mediator involved in the inflammatory cascade of many disorders including uveitis. Among the anti-TNF-α agents, one of the most used in immune-mediated diseases, such as inflammatory arthropathies, is adalimumab (Humira™, Abbott Pharmaceutical Inc.), a fully humanized antibody. The purpose of this review is to analyze the main pharmacological and clinical aspects of adalimumab and its efficacy both in systemic and ocular inflammatory disorders. Adalimumab was effective in treating several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. In recent years, adalimumab has been used successfully in refractory cases of intraocular inflammation. Moreover, this biological agent showed good safety and efficacy profiles in ocular use including childhood uveitis. Switching from other anti-TNF-α agents to adalimumab may offer several advantages, such as easier administration, better patient compliance, and lower rate of adverse events. Adalimumab is a promising drug for the therapy of uveitis, although further studies are needed on its application in uveitis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Eye Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria-Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy

    Piergiorgio Neri, Marta Lettieri, Cesare Mariotti & Alfonso Giovannini

  2. Ophthalmology Section, The Neuroscience Department, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy

    Piergiorgio Neri, Marta Lettieri, Cesare Mariotti & Alfonso Giovannini

  3. The Dermatology Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria-Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy

    Manuela Zucchi

  4. Uveitis Center, Ophthalmology Department, Lavagna Hospital, Genoa, Italy

    Pia Allegri

  5. Clinica Oculistica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria-Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60100, Torrette-Ancona, Italy

    Piergiorgio Neri

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  1. Piergiorgio Neri
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  2. Manuela Zucchi
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  3. Pia Allegri
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Correspondence to Piergiorgio Neri.

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Neri, P., Zucchi, M., Allegri, P. et al. Adalimumab (Humira™): a promising monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha in ophthalmology. Int Ophthalmol 31, 165–173 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-011-9430-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-011-9430-3

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