LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Humira
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Humira... known as D2E7 and Adalimumab, is a DMARD. It is an anti-tnf (tumor necrosis factor) drug. Tnf is known to play a part in the inflammation and swelling of joints and other tissues associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Humira was developed by Knoll Pharmaceuticals and Cambridge Antibody Technologies Group in Europe. Abbott Laboratories bought Knoll in 2001, and is continuing the work on Humira. As of October of 2002 more than 3500 people have taken Humira in various studies, including FDA-approved studies in the USA.
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Adalimumab (Humira) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF). TNF is a protein called a cytokine, produced mainly by white cells (leukocytes). In RA, TNF is produced by cells inside the joint and plays an important role in stimulating joint inflammation. When adalimumab binds to TNF, it neutralises the function of TNF and reduces joint inflammation and damage. Adalimumab is one of the licensed TNF-blocker or anti-TNF drugs (the others are infliximab and etanercept).
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In Study V, Humira-treated patients had a mean duration of rheumatoid arthritis of less than 9 months and had not previously received methotrexate. Structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in modified Total Sharp Score. The Week 52 results are shown in Table 6. A statistically significant difference for change in modified Total Sharp Score and the erosion score was observed at Week 52 and maintained at Week 104.
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Do not begin treatment with Humira if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber, so tell your doctor if you have any allergies to rubber or latex.
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Humira offers convenient every-other-week dosing by subcutaneous injection (shot beneath the skin) via a specially designed pre-filled syringe. Humira is the first fully human monoclonal antibody approved in Europe for RA, and the first tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) antagonist approved with an indication for use with methotrexate or as monotherapy. In April 2004, the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) granted a positive opinion for a Humira label extension for reducing the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray and improving physical function in adults with RA. To date, Humira has been approved in 51 countries and prescribed to more than 75,000 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis worldwide.
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Humira (adalimumab), a drug previously approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, has now been approved by the FDA for use in moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. Humira is a monoclonal antibody that works to reduce human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha in the body. TNF has been found in elevated levels in people with Crohn’s disease, and it is believed to be responsible for inflammation. Humira is administered every other week by injection. The most serious side effects associated with Humira include infections and the development of lymphoma. Other side effects include upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, and nausea.
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