The Sound of Evolution
Certolizumab
Mechanism of action:
Certolizumab is an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody fragment. TNF- α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by immune cells such as macrophages and T cells, and it is one of the major drivers of inflammation in autoimmune diseases. Certolizumab is a recombinant Fab' fragment that has been PEGylated to prolong its half-life in the body and does not contain an Fc fragment. It specifically binds to TNF-α and prevents it from interacting with the p55 (TNFR1) and p75 (TNFR2) receptors, thereby suppressing downstream inflammatory signaling pathways.
Reference(s):
1. Corbett M et al. (2017). Certolizumab pegol and secukinumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis following inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess.
2. Bermejo I et al. (2017). Certolizumab pegol for treating rheumatoid arthritis following inadequate response to a TNF-alpha inhibitor: An evidence review group perspective of a NICE single technology appraisal. Pharmacoeconomics.