What is the mechanism of action for Cimzia?
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. TNF is a protein made by white blood cells that can cause inflammation in the body. Cimzia works by attaching to TNF-α and stops it from working to produce inflammatory substances such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), nitric oxide, and prostaglandins.
Research shows that TNF is involved in many inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. By neutralizing TNF, inflammation in the body is reduced. This results in an improvement of symptoms for a variety of autoimmune conditions.
Cimzia is PEGylated, which means it is attached to polyethylene glycol. This helps the medication stay in your body longer before it is broken down.
Is Cimzia a TNF antagonist?
Yes. Cimzia is a TNF antagonist, also sometimes called a TNF blocker. It attaches to and neutralizes TNF-α, which is a substance that causes inflammation in the body. By blocking the actions of TNF, patients with various inflammatory conditions experience relief of their symptoms.
What is Cimzia used for?
Cimzia is an anti-TNF biologic that is FDA approved to treat the following conditions:
- Crohn’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
- Psoriasis
Cimzia has not been studied well in children, and it is currently only approved for adults. It’s given as an injection under the skin every 2 to 4 weeks.
References
Goel, N., et. al. (2010). Certolizumab pegol. In: mAbs. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4161%2Fmabs.2.2.11271
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Tumor Necrosis Factor. Accessed 06/27/2024 at https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/tumor-necrosis-factor
Patel, A. M., et. al. (2014). Certolizumab pegol: a new biologic targeting rheumatoid arthritis. In: Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1586%2Feci.10.69
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Drug information
- Cimzia Information for Consumers
- Cimzia prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Cimzia (detailed)
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