Products
Etanercept is commercially available as a solution for injection (Enbrel, biosimilars). It has been approved in many countries since 2000. The biosimilars Benepali and Erlezi were approved in many countries in 2018.
Structure and properties
Etanercept is a dimeric fusion protein composed of the extracellular ligand-binding domain of TNF receptor-2 and the Fc domain of human IgG1.
Effects
Etanercept (ATC L04AB01) has selective immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. It binds as a “false receptor” the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha, which is involved in various inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis)
- Plaque psoriasis
Dosage
According to the professional information. The solution for injection is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Sepsis or risk of sepsis
- Infectious diseases
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Interactions have been reported with sulfasalazine, digoxin, and anakinra.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include infectious disease and injection site reactions. Numerous other side effects are possible. The drug may rarely cause serious infections and malignancies.
