The underlying inflammatory chronic disease influences infliximab pharmacokinetics

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can result in significant disability. With the emergence of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), therapeutic outcomes in PsA have improved substantially. The clinical efficacy and the inhibition of radiographic progression demonstrated by TNFi have transformed the management of PsA. However, there is still an unmet need for a subset of patients who do not respond adequately to TNFi. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the pharmacokinetics of TNFi, the efficacy of TNFi in PsA, and the role of immunogenicity of TNFi in the treatment of PsA. In addition, we address the use of TNFi in the setting of other medications utilized in the treatment of PsA and the potential future role of biosimilars. Expert commentary: Monoclonal antibodies exhibit complex and widely variable pharmacokinetics. The study of factors that can affect the pharmacokinetics, such as immunogenicity, is valuable to further define and understand the use of TNFi in PsA, especially in the subset of patients who do not respond adequately to these agents or lose effectiveness over time.