Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Cimzia (CERTOLIZUMAB PEGOL)

Certolizumab pegol binds to and neutralizes human TNFα, reducing inflammation without causing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Cimzia (Certolizumab Pegol) is a tumor necrosis factor blocker developed by UCB INC, targeting the tumor necrosis factor protein to treat various inflammatory conditions. It is a small molecule modality, FDA-approved in 2008 for indications such as ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. Cimzia is a patented medication, and its commercial status is maintained by UCB INC. Key safety considerations include potential infections and allergic reactions. It is used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in patients with these conditions.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Certolizumab pegol works by binding to and neutralizing TNFα, a key cytokine involved in inflammation. This binding prevents TNFα from activating its signaling pathways, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. The drug does not have an Fc region, so it does not cause additional immune reactions like cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Approved indications

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Crohn's disease
• Erythrodermic psoriasis
• Plaque psoriasis
• Psoriasis with arthropathy
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Pustular psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS and MALIGNANCY SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with CIMZIA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. CIMZIA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis. Patients with tuberculosis have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before CIMZIA use and during therapy. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to CIMZIA use. Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Empiric anti-fungal therapy should be considered in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness. Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria. The risks and benefits of treatment with CIMZIA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with CIMZIA, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. MALIGNANCY Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which CIMZIA is a member [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS and MALIGNANCY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization or death including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis), and infections due to other opportunistic pathogens ( 5.1 ). CIMZIA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis ( 5.1 ). Perform test for latent TB; if positive, start treatment for TB prior to starting CIMZIA ( 5.1 ). Monitor all patients for active TB during treatment, even if initial latent TB test is negative ( 5.1 ) Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which CIMZIA is a member ( 5.2 ).

Common side effects

• upper respiratory infections
• rash
• urinary tract infections

Key clinical trials

• A Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Effectiveness of Certolizumab Pegol in Children With Moderate to Severe Chronic Plaque Psoriasis (PHASE3)
• Biologic Treatment Withdrawal in Takayasu Arteritis Patients in Sustained Remission (NA)
• Stand UP to Rheumatoid Arthritis (SUPRA) (NA)
• Lipids, Inflammation, and CV Risk in RA
• Utilization of a Microdevice for Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis (PHASE4)
• Adding Certolizumab to Chemotherapy + Nivolumab in People Who Have Lung Cancer That Can Be Treated With Surgery (PHASE2)
• A Study to Evaluate the Nipocalimab and Certolizumab Combination Therapy in Participants With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis (PHASE2)
• The Use of Synovial Biopsies in Predicting Response to Biologic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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