Certolizumab pegol -: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment of Crohn's disease, human anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that can lead to tissue damage and irreversible impairment of GI tract structure and function. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been identified as a key mediator in IBDs and in rheumatoid arthritis, where it promotes chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Anti-TNF-alpha, therapies are promising treatment options and anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in particular have shown efficacy in reducing IBD-associated inflammation and in promoting mucosal healing. Certolizumab pegol is an anti-TNF-alpha MAb in development for the treatment of both Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It is a pegylated Fab' fragment of a humanized anti-TNF-alpha MAb that lacks the Fc portion of the parent IgG(4) antibody Certolizumab pegol has a higher affinity for TNF-alpha than other anti-TNF agents and does not induce apoptosis or mediate complement-dependent cytotoxicity or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Certolizumab pegol was selected for further development as a treatment for Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis and demonstrated efficacy and safety in clinical trials.