Last reviewed · How we verify
etanercept or adalimumab
TNF-alpha inhibitors that block tumor necrosis factor-alpha signaling to reduce inflammation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
TNF-alpha inhibitors that block tumor necrosis factor-alpha signaling to reduce inflammation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriatic arthritis.
At a glance
| Generic name | etanercept or adalimumab |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Enbrel, Humira |
| Sponsor | University of Glasgow |
| Drug class | TNF-alpha inhibitor |
| Target | TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Etanercept is a TNF receptor fusion protein that binds and neutralizes TNF-alpha, while adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha. Both prevent TNF-alpha from activating immune cells and perpetuating inflammatory cascades. This suppression of TNF signaling reduces systemic inflammation and immune-mediated tissue damage.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Psoriasis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Common side effects
- Infection (including serious infections)
- Injection site reactions
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Headache
- Tuberculosis reactivation
Key clinical trials
- Trial of Sequential Medications AfteR TNFi Failure in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (PHASE3)
- Treatment Tapering in JIA With Inactive Disease (PHASE3)
- Combination of Baricitinib and Anti-TNF in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PHASE3)
- Stand UP to Rheumatoid Arthritis (SUPRA) (NA)
- Rotation or Change of Biotherapy After First Anti-TNF Treatment Failure for Rheumatoid Arthritis (PHASE4)
- Multicenter Randomized Double Blind Controlled-study to Assess the Potential of Methotrexate Versus Placebo to Improve and Maintain Response to Anti TNF- Alpha Agents in Adult Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis (PHASE4)
- The Use of Synovial Biopsies in Predicting Response to Biologic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (PHASE3)
- Immunosuppressant Management in Rheumatology Patients Undergoing Elective Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- etanercept or adalimumab CI brief — competitive landscape report
- etanercept or adalimumab updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Glasgow portfolio CI