Certolizumab pegol for rheumatoid arthritis: Effective in combination with methotrexate or as monotherapy

TNF plays an important role in several disease states, including rheumatoid arthritis. Biologic agents that specifically target TNF have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Traditional anti-TNF agents have provided significant clinical benefit. However, patient responses to these agents in clinical practice may be variable and additional agents are needed. Certolizumab pegol is the only PEGylated anti-TNF that is now approved for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This article summarizes the published efficacy, safety and patient-reported health outcome results for certolizumab pegol in the treatment of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who have experienced an inadequate response to treatment with DMARDs, including methotrexate.