RAPID and FAST4WARD trials: certolizumab pegol for rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

In the last decade, biological therapies have dramatically changed the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in such a way that remission is currently an achievable goal. The armamentarium of therapeutic options for RA has recently been enriched with another approved anti-TNF-α agent, certolizumab pegol (CZP). This article reviews the trials conducted with CZP in RA, the Rheumatoid Arthritis PreventIon of structural Damage (RAPID 1 and 2) and the EFficAcy and Safety of cerTolizumab pegol – 4 Weekly dosAge in RheumatoiD arthritis (FAST4WARD). These trials have demonstrated that this new biological agent significantly improves the clinical signs and symptoms of RA, inhibits progression of structural damage, and improves physical function and quality of life in patients with active RA who have failed treatment with methotrexate. The safety profile of CZP is acceptable and similar to that of other anti-TNF-α agents.

Keywords::

• certolizumab pegol
• rheumatoid arthritis
• TNF-α inhibitor

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Astrid van Tubergen has received speaker honoraria from Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Actelion. Robert Landewé has received speaker honoraria or research support from Abbott, Centocor, Glaxo Smith Kline, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, Schering-Plough, UCB and Wyeth. 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.

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