Biologic Therapy for HLA-B27-associated Ocular Disorders

ABSTRACT

The treatment of articular and extra-articular manifestations associated with HLA-B27 has undergone dramatic changes over the past two decades, mainly as a consequence of the introduction of biologic agents and in particular anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) agents. Uveitis is known to be the most frequent extra-articular feature in HLA-B27-associated spondyloarthritides. Topical corticosteroids and cycloplegic agents remain the cornerstones of treatment. However, biologic therapy may be effective in the management of refractory or recurrent forms of uveitis. This review gives an update on the management of HLA-B27-associated ocular disorders with biologics, including anti-TNFα agents and non-anti-TNFα biologic modifier drugs. There is an emerging role for newer biologics targeting interleukin-12/23 and interleukin-17 for the treatment of spondyloarthritides but data on their efficacy on anterior uveitis are sparse.

Keywords:

• Anti-TNFα
• biologics
• HLA-B27
• spondyloarthritis
• uveitis

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

FUNDING

BB is a Consultant with Santen, Allergan; TxCell, Gensight, AbbVie. Study support was received from Allergan and Novartis. JET is on the Advisory Board of AbbVie, XOMA; a Consultant for Gilead, Navigant, NightstaRx. Grant support was received from NEI and Allergan. JG is a Consultant with UCB, Allergan.

Additional information

Funding

BB is a Consultant with Santen, Allergan; TxCell, Gensight, AbbVie. Study support was received from Allergan and Novartis. JET is on the Advisory Board of AbbVie, XOMA; a Consultant for Gilead, Navigant, NightstaRx. Grant support was received from NEI and Allergan. JG is a Consultant with UCB, Allergan.