Certolizumab Pegol, a New Anti-TNF-α in the Armamentarium against Ocular Inflammation

Abstract

Purpose: To study the efficacy and tolerance of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in active uveitis.

Methods: Retrospective case series at 4 referral centers. Patients treated with CZP for active uveitis during at least 6 months were eligible. Inflammation by SUN scores, visual acuity (VA) (logMAR), and central macular thickness (CMT) were compared from baseline until final follow-up. Quiescence was defined as 0+ to 0.5+ in anterior chamber and vitreous haze scores and no CMT increase.

Results: Four males and 3 females (14 eyes) were included, mean age 42.4 ± 8.8 years. All were long-lasting chronic-relapsing uveitis with prior failure to other anti-TNF-α. After a mean follow-up of 10.4 ± 4.8 months, 5/7 patients (71.4%) achieved quiescence with CZP. VA improved significantly from +0.52 ± 0.68 to +0.45 ± 0.68 (p = 0.032) at 1 month and to +0.44 ± 0.64 (p = 0.035) at 6 months. No adverse events were found.

Conclusion: CZP can be an effective alternative in refractory uveitis.

• Anti-TNF
• biologics
• certolizumab pegol
• treatment
• uveitis

Declaration of interest

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