Certolizumab Pegol (Cimzia)
UCB Pharma
Description
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) has a high affinity for human TNFα and binds with a dissociation constant (KD) of 90 pM. TNFα is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine with a central role in inflammatory processes. Cimzia selectively neutralises TNFα (IC90 of 4 ng/ml for inhibition of human TNFα in the in vitro L929 murine fibrosarcoma cytotoxicity assay) but does not neutralise lymphotoxin α (TNFβ). Cimzia was shown to neutralise membrane associated and soluble human TNFα in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation of monocytes with Cimzia resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNFα and IL1β production in human monocytes. Cimzia does not contain a fragment crystallisable (Fc) region, which is normally present in a complete antibody, and therefore does not fix complement or cause antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. It does not induce apoptosis in vitro in human peripheral blood-derived monocytes or lymphocytes, or neutrophil degranulation.
Indications
Psoriatic arthritis: Cimzia, in combination with MTX, is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adults when the response to previous DMARD therapy has been inadequate. Cimzia can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate. Plaque psoriasis: Cimzia is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.
Price
200mg/ml solution in pre-filled pen, syringe or dose-dispenser cartridge (for use with reusable device), 2×1ml=£715.00, £715.00
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