Golimumab : a new anti - TNF agent on the horizon for infl ammatory arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis are highly prevalent infl ammatory arthritides. Various conventional therapies are currently in use, and biologic therapies have also been introduced into the treatment armamentarium. Despite the remarkable effi cacy of the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, there still remains an unmet need for newer anti-TNF agents. A substantial number of patients do not respond to an initial anti-TNF agent, but may respond to a second one. The modes of administration of currently marketed anti-TNF agents are not particularly convenient and risk-free for all patients. An anti-TNF agent with a better safety profi le is also highly desirable. Golimumab (CNTO-148) is a high affi nity, human monoclonal antibody to TNF-α. The various ongoing trials for golimumab have shown promising results in terms of effi cacy and safety in methotrexate-naive and -resistant patients with RA, as well as in patients with RA who were previously treated with other anti-TNF agents. In addition, the effi cacy of golimumab in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis has also been demonstrated.