Anti-TNF-α Biotherapies: Perspectives for Evidence-Based Personalized Medicine

Abstract

This article discusses the rationale behind recommending immunopharmacological guidance of long-term therapies with genetically engineered anti-TNF-α immunoglobulin constructs. Arguments why therapeutic decision-making should not rely on clinical outcome alone are presented. Central to this is that the use of theranostics (i.e., monitoring circulating levels of functional anti-TNF-α drugs and antidrug antibodies) would markedly improve treatment because therapies can be tailored to individual patients and provide more effective and economical long-term therapies with minimal risk of side effects. Large-scale immunopharmacological knowledge of how patients ‘handle‘ TNF-α biopharmaceuticals would also help industry develop more effective and safer TNF-α inhibitors.

KEYWORDS::

• anti-TNF-α antibodies
• immunogenicity
• pharmacodynamics
• pharmacokinetics
• recombinant protein therapeutics
• theranostics

Acknowledgements

The work of the many colleagues who have contributed to the basic and clinical research discussed in this article is highly appreciated.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Within the last 3 years, K Bendtzen has served as a speaker for Pfizer, Roche, Novo-Nordisk, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, and Biomonitor, and owns stocks in the latter. Financial support was obtained from the Danish Biotechnology Programme. The author has 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.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

Within the last 3 years, K Bendtzen has served as a speaker for Pfizer, Roche, Novo-Nordisk, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, and Biomonitor, and owns stocks in the latter. Financial support was obtained from the Danish Biotechnology Programme. The author has 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. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.