The Pharmacokinetics of Biologic Agents

The deficiency of conventional drugs that are used in inflammatory rheumatic diseases are not able to prevent from progression of diseases have resulted in the development of new drugs, such as TUMOR Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) blocking agents, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist and Anti-B cell (CD20) antibody. Biologic agents are a clear advancement in drug therapy. These newer agents have mechanisms of action targeted toward specific components of the immune system, which enable them to provide more reliable outcomes with fewer limiting side effects. They are administered subcutaneously and/or intravenously. The goal of the biologic treatment is to slow or block specific components of the immune system and halt tissue destruction.