infliximab + etanercept

This entry refers to the sequential administration or switching protocol between two tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, infliximab and etanercept, primarily evaluated in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Infliximab (Remicade) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to both soluble and transmembrane forms of TNF-alpha. Etanercept (Enbrel) is a dimeric fusion protein consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding portion of the human 75 kDa (p75) TNF receptor linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1, which binds to both TNF-alpha and lymphotoxin-alpha. The clinical context (notably the OPPOSITE study, NCT00317538) specifically evaluates the efficacy and safety of switching patients who have had an inadequate response to etanercept plus methotrexate over to infliximab plus methotrexate. Both agents function as potent anti-inflammatory biologics by neutralizing the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha, thereby reducing the signs and symptoms of RA and inhibiting the progression of structural damage.

Brand names

RemicadeEnbrel

Other names

infliximab and etanerceptetanercept to infliximab switchOPPOSITE study regimen