TNF as a Target of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) agents were the first molecular targeting drugs developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-TNF agents improve the clinical picture of severe RA patients, inhibit joint destruction and improve quality of life. In the 15 years since their introduction, they have become the preferred drug therapy for management of RA. The success of anti-TNF agents in the treatment of RA has resulted in the development of many drugs for other inflammatory diseases using the same molecular targeting concept. However, many unresolved issues surround the use of anti-TNF agents, including the risk for infection, primary non-responders, secondary loss of efficacy and pharmacoeconomical issues. This review focuses on the multifaceted impact of anti-TNF agents in the treatment of RA.