Clinical Benefits of Switching from Original Infliximab to its Biosimilar (CT-P13) as a Potential TNF-α Inhibitor

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is implicated in the process of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases through binding to its receptor, the tumor necrosis factor receptor. Nowadays, monoclonal anti-TNF-α antibody is used for the treatment of these diseases because it can neutralize TNF-α to block the relevant signaling responsible for the pathogenesis of these diseases. Currently, such antibody-based therapies have been demonstrated to be effective in controlling rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Infliximab is the first monoclonal antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and has been approved for the intervention of other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in the clinic. Although infliximab is considered highly efficacious, more so than common medications such as methotrexate and calcipotriol, its potential disadvantages, including loss of response in some patients, drug-related adverse events and particularly high cost, have motivated chemists and researchers to shift towards its biosimilar, CT-P13. CT-P13 has a better tolerance and much less cost, attracting more attention. Here, we summarize the clinical findings of CT-P13 from clinical trials in various diseases.