Etanercept

Etanercept is a biologic drug that acts as a soluble TNF receptor fusion protein. It binds to TNF-alpha and prevents it from interacting with cell surface TNF receptors, thereby inhibiting the biological activity of TNF-alpha. In rheumatology, etanercept is primarily used for the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions where TNF-alpha plays a central role in disease pathogenesis.

The main indications of etanercept in rheumatology include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Etanercept is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have not responded adequately to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: Etanercept is indicated for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: Etanercept is used to manage the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, a form of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Etanercept is also approved for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children aged 2 years and older who have not responded adequately to other DMARDs.
  • Plaque psoriasis: Although not strictly a rheumatology indication, etanercept is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 4 years and older.

Etanercept is administered by subcutaneous injection and is usually given once or twice weekly, depending on the specific condition being treated. As with other biologic medications, etanercept may increase the risk of infections and other adverse effects, so its use should be carefully monitored by a rheumatologist.