Table 1 Current repertoire of biological agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
From: Rationale of using different biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis
Biological agent | Dose and mode of application | Approved indications |
|---|---|---|
Etanercept (Enbrel®) | 25 mg s.c. twice weekly, 50 mg s.c. weekly | Monotherapy, combination therapy |
Adalimumab (Humira®) | 40 mg s.c. every 2 weeks | Monotherapy, combination therapy |
Infliximab (Remicade®) | 3 mg/kg i.v. every 2 to 4 weeks, then extending intervals up to 8 weeks; maximum dose 5 to 7 mg/kg every 4 weeks | Only in combination with MTX |
Certolizumab (Cimzia®) | 200 mg s.c. every 2 weeks (after loading dose) | Monotherapy, combination therapy |
Golimumab (Simponi®) | 50 mg s.c. monthly | Only in combination with MTX |
Rituximab (MabThera®) | Course of 2 × 500/1,000 mg i.v. with an interval of 2 weeks; several courses every 4 to 8 months possible | With or without MTX |
Abatacept (Orencia®) | 8 to 10 mg/kg i.v. (500 mg ( < 60 kg), 750 mg (60 to 100 kg), 1 g ( > 100 kg)) at weeks 0, 2, 4, then monthly | With or without MTX |
Tocilizumab (RoActemra®) | 8 mg/kg i.v. monthly | Monotherapy, combination therapy |
Anakinra (Kineret®) | 100 mg/day s.c. | With or without MTX |