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Many of our readers either already have or will in the future encounter the possibility of being treated with a biologic medication. This is because biologics have revolutionized the treatment of such chronic illnesses as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, and are widely used in treating a variety of cancers. To name just a few, these products include Enbrel, Humira, Remicade (infliximab), Avonex (inteferon beta-1a), Betaseron (interferon beta-1b), Tysabri, Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Herceptin (trastuzumab), Rituxan (rituximab), Neupogen (filgrastim), Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) and Leukine (sargramostim). So just what are biologics, how do they differ from more traditional drugs, and why are they so expensive?Although some biologics have been around for a long time, I’m not talking about these first-generation products, which include things like vaccines, blood and blood components. Instead, I’m focusing on the newer, second-generation biologics that have come to market only […]

Original post by natalieb and weightlossopinions.com

The FDA has granted approval of Cimzia [certolizumab pegol] as the fourth biologic agent for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Cimzia, like Remicade [infliximab] and Humira [adalimumab], is an antibody that blocks the action of TNF (tumor necrosis factor), a pro-inflammatory chemical known to play a central role in causing the pathology of a variety of inflammatory disorders including Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Tysabri [natalizumab], the fourth biologic for Crohn’s, is also an antibody, but it works by blocking the action of certain types of white blood cells that are involved in the inflammatory process.
Cimzia [certolizumab pegol] received approval for treating adults with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease who have not responded to conventional therapies.
All biologics approved for Crohn’s disease must be given by injection. Remicade and Tysabri are given by IV infusion while Cimzia and Humira are given by subcutaneous injection. Humira […]

Original post by admin and weightlossopinions.com