Adalimumab for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis: an updated review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The recent approval of adalimumab (trade name Humira, Abbvie inc.) by the FDA for the treatment of noninfectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis marks the first ‘on label’ non-corticosteroid drug available to ophthalmologists. Immunomodulatory (IMT) and biologic agents have long been shown to be effective in inducing remission of chronic uveitis but have remained as orphan drugs due to lack of financial incentive and perceived need.

Areas covered: Here we provide detail into the background and use of adalimumab for uveitic patients. Topics include pharmacology, therapeutic indications and usage, dosage, drug safety, physician monitoring, side effects and adverse events.

Expert opinion: We see the approval of adalimumab for uveitis as an important milestone improving upon the accepted standards of care for patients with this severe, sight threatening disease. We implore medical professionals to consider the use of IMT and biologic treatments for patients with recurrent non-infectious uveitis, referring to ocular immunology and uveitis specialists when necessary.

KEYWORDS:

• Adalimumab
• uveitis
• TNF- alpha inhibitor
• non-infectious uveitis
• refractory uveitis

Declaration of interest

CS Foster has acted as consultant with Aldeyra Therapeutics, Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Inc, Eyegate Pharma, Novartis, pSivida and Xoma. Has grants or grants pending with Alcon, Aldeyra Therapeutics, Bausch & Lomb, Clearside Biomedical, Dompe Pharmaceutical, Eyegate Pharma, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, pSivida, Santen. He has also received payments for lectures including service on speaking bureaus from Alcon and Allergan. He also has stock or stock options in Eyegate Pharma. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.