Biologic treatment of pediatric rheumatic diseases: are we spoilt for choice?

• Published in: Immunotherapy Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 1 - 3
• Main Authors: van Royen-Kerkhof, Annet, Vastert, Bas SJ, Swart, Joost F, Wulffraat, Nico M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Future Medicine Ltd 01.01.2014
• Subjects: Adolescent; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - economics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use; Antibodies, Monoclonal - economics; Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Arthritis; Biological products; Biological Therapy - methods; Biological Therapy - trends; biologicals; Care and treatment; Child; Children; Clinical medicine; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Costs; Disease; Diseases; Etanercept; Europe; Humans; Immunoglobulin G - economics; Immunoglobulin G - therapeutic use; Immunotherapy; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein - economics; Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein - therapeutic use; Interleukin-1 - antagonists & inhibitors; juvenile idiopathic arthritis; Medical research; Pediatrics; Pharmaceutical industry; Proteins; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor - therapeutic use; Rheumatic diseases; Rheumatic Diseases - economics; Rheumatic Diseases - immunology; Rheumatic Diseases - therapy; safety aspect; Studies; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - antagonists & inhibitors; United States; United Kingdom
• DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.153
• ISSN: 1750-743X

Approximately 15 years ago the first biological treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was introduced. Since the introduction of the TNF receptor fusion protein etanercept in 1998, now more than seven biologics are now registered, or under study for JIA. [...]when pharmaceuticals submit a registration proposal to EMA, a Pediatric Investigational Plan must be included. Furthermore, treatment with biosimilars should be closely monitored for quality and safety. [...]introduction of biosimilars will only lead to a limited cost reduction.