| [ Summary ] |
In Japan, two types of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) medication, one being infliximab and the other adalimumab, have become available for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Infliximab, consisting of chimeric antibodies for TNF-α, has been approved for induction and maintenance of remission of Crohnʼs disease and ulcerative colitis. Adalimumab, a humanized antibody for TNF-α, can also be used to treat Crohnʼs disease. Prior to the use of those medications, serious infections, especially intraabdominal abscess and mycobacterium infection, had to be carefully watched for and managed. Because it is presumed the need for anti-TNF-α medication for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease will increase in the near future. Guidelines for the appropriate use of these medications, such as the indications, timing of introduction and withdrawal, concomitant use of immunomodulators, and management of loss of response, should be established. |