Generic drug name (brand name, year of FDA approval) | Structure and mechanism of action | Mode and frequency of administration |
---|---|---|
TNF-α inhibitors | ||
Infliximab (Remicade, 1999) | Chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF-α and blocks its interaction with cell surface receptors | Intravenous infusion every 8 weeks |
Etanercept (Enbrel, 1998) | Soluble human fusion recombinant protein that binds to TNF-α and blocks its interaction with cell surface receptors | Subcutaneous injection weekly or twice weekly |
Adalimumab (Humira, 2002) | Recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF-α and blocks its interaction with cell surface receptors | Subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks (or weekly if methotrexate is not taken concurrently) |
Golimumab (Simponi, 2009) | Human monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF-α and blocks its interaction with cell surface receptors | Subcutaneous injection monthly |
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia, 2009) | Recombinant, humanized, pegylated Fab' of a monoclonal antibody that binds to TNF-α and blocks its interaction with cell surface receptors | Subcutaneous injection every 2 or 4 weeks, if dosed at 200 mg or 400 mg, respectively. |
Other biologic DMARDs | ||
Abatacept (Orencia, 2005) | Soluble fusion protein that inhibits the costimulation of T-cells | Intravenous infusion every 4 weeks |
Anakinra (Kineret, 2001) | Recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist that inhibits the binding of IL-1 to its receptor, thereby allowing regulation of IL-1 activity | Subcutaneous injection daily |
Rituximab (Rituxan, 2006) | Chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to the cell surface protein CD20 and selectively depletes B-cells. | Intravenous infusion: two infusions separated by 2 weeks every 24 weeks or based on clinical evaluation |
Tocilizumab (Actemra, 2010) | Humanized IL-6 receptor that inhibits the binding of IL-6 to its receptor, preventing IL-6 signal transduction | Intravenous infusion every 4 weeks |