Golimumab

Golimumab is a biologic drug that belongs to the class of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. It works by binding to soluble and membrane-bound TNF-α, thereby inhibiting its interaction with TNF receptors and reducing inflammation. In rheumatology, golimumab is primarily used for the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases where TNF-α plays a pivotal role in the disease process.

The main indications of golimumab in rheumatology include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Golimumab is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults, either as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), in patients who have responded inadequately to conventional therapies.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: Golimumab is used to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults, including patients who have not adequately responded to other DMARD therapies.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: Golimumab is approved for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, in adults who have not responded adequately to conventional therapy.
  • Axial spondyloarthritis: This includes both ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Golimumab is indicated for the treatment of adults with active axial spondyloarthritis, who have had an inadequate response to, or are intolerant to, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Ulcerative colitis: Although not strictly a rheumatology indication, golimumab is also approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults who have not responded adequately to conventional therapy.

Golimumab is typically administered by subcutaneous injection and dosing frequency varies depending on the condition being treated. As with other TNF inhibitors, golimumab may increase the risk of infections and other adverse effects, so its use should be carefully monitored by a rheumatologist.