Products
Adalimumab is commercially available as a solution for injection (Humira). It was approved in the United States in 2002 and in many countries and the EU in 2003. Biosimilars are available in many countries.
Structure and properties
Adalimumab is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha. It is composed of 1330 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 148 kDa. Adalimumab is produced by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Adalimumab (ATC L04AB04) has selective immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Its effects are based on binding to the proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokine TNF-alpha. This inhibits binding to its receptors on the cell surface and abolishes its biological effects. TNF-alpha plays an important role in various inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Adalimumab has a long half-life of about two weeks.
Indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Plaque psoriasis
- Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa)
- Uveitis (not approved in all countries).
Dosage
According to the drug label. The drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Active tuberculosis or other serious infections such as sepsis and opportunistic infections
- Moderate to severe heart failure
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include infectious disease, injection site reactions, headache, and skin rash. TNF-alpha inhibitors may rarely cause serious infections and malignancies.
