A new agent for reducing the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease (CD) will soon be available. UCB Inc. has received word
from the FDA that certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) has been approved in CD patients with moderate to severe active disease who
have an inadequate response to conventional therapy. According to the company, the biologic targets tumor necrosis factor
alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine that plays a key role in mediating pathological inflammation, and represents the first and only
PEGylated anti-TNF-alpha on the market. The new treatment is dosed subcutaneously once every four weeks after the initial
dosing of one injection every two weeks for the first three injections. Certolizumab utilizes Nektar Therapeutic's PEGylation
platform. According to Nektar, pegylation increases a drug's circulation time in the bloodstream, leading to decreased immunogenicity
and dosing frequency as well as increased bioavailability and improved drug solubility and stability. Cimzia must be dispensed
with an FDA-approved Medication Guide.
Drug Topics is a monthly news magazine, guided by a board of pharmacy leaders, reporting on all phases of community, retail, and health-system issues and trends. We cover managed care and professional, national, and state activities as well as new therapies involving prescription and OTC drugs.
How do you deal with the physically stressful side of work in the pharmacy (e.g., being on your feet for 12 hours a day, cradling the telephone handset between your shoulder and neck, etc.)?
I receive chiropractic/massotherapy/acupuncture/etc. as needed
28%
I am receiving physical therapy
6%
I have had some form of surgery
9%
I have no physical problems connected with work
19%
Denial is working well for me
37%
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Drug Topics archives are now available on ModernMedicine.com, a new online resource designed to meet the evolving needs of physicians.