Biological agents - a novel group of medications for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

This paper deals with the recent therapy of adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The effectiveness of traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in altering the disease process is now established. The introduction of anti-TNF therapy has taken this effectiveness one stage further. The central role of cytokines, particularly TNF-б in the pathogenesis of RA is confirmed. A lot of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of cytokine blockade in RA treating and in the prevention of progression structural damage. However, biologics therapies have complex actions with several potential side-effects. The novel drug Arthrofoon containing ultra-low doses of antibodies against TNF-б was approved for RA treatment. Numerous data have confirmed good efficacy and safety of Arthrofoon in long-term RA therapy