Certolizumab pegol

Abstract

Certolizumab pegol is a humanized anti-TNFα Fab' fragment with two conjugated PEG molecules which extend its half-life significantly. In the EU, it is currently authorized for use in rheumatoid arthritis, where it has demonstrated rapid and sustained effect both in combination with methotrexate and in monotherapy. In the US and some other countries it is also authorized for use in Crohn's disease where its effects are also comparable with other anti-TNFα drugs, even though direct comparison is still lacking. Certolizumab pegol is administered by subcutaneous injection once in 2-4 weeks; it is well tolerated with minimum injection site reactions. Certolizumab pegol is approved in monotherapy; depending on how the pharmacoeconomic parameters will be set, it's has the potential to become the preferred choice in it's pharmacotherapeutic group. It's indications may broaden in the future.