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Switch to a second anti-TNF drug alone
Switching to a second anti-TNF agent involves discontinuing one TNF inhibitor and initiating a different TNF inhibitor to maintain or restore therapeutic response in inflammatory conditions.
Switching to a second anti-TNF agent involves discontinuing one TNF inhibitor and initiating a different TNF inhibitor to maintain or restore therapeutic response in inflammatory conditions. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriatic arthritis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Switch to a second anti-TNF drug alone |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Védrines, Philippe, M.D. |
| Drug class | TNF inhibitor (class-level; specific agent varies) |
| Target | TNF-alpha |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Rheumatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
This represents a clinical strategy rather than a single drug entity. Anti-TNF agents work by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a key inflammatory cytokine. Switching between different anti-TNF drugs (e.g., from infliximab to adalimumab, or etanercept to golimumab) may be employed when patients lose response to the first agent due to immunogenicity, loss of efficacy, or intolerance, allowing continued TNF pathway inhibition with a structurally different molecule.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Psoriasis
Common side effects
- Infection (including serious infections)
- Tuberculosis reactivation
- Injection site reactions
- Infusion reactions
- Autoimmune phenomena (lupus-like syndrome)
- Hematologic abnormalities
Key clinical trials
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 |