Generic name: infliximab, inliximab-abda, infliximab-axxq, infliximab-dyyb, infliximab-qbtx
Brand names: Remicade, Avsola, Inflectra, Ixifi, Renflexis
Dosage form: intravenous (infusion) injection
Drug classes:Antirheumatics, TNF alfa inhibitors
What is infliximab?
Infliximab is type of biological drug called a monoclonal antibody. It acts as an immunosuppressant and it is used treat a number of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Infliximab works by binding a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), preventing it from interacting with its receptor. TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which is made by your immune system.
TNF-alpha plays an important role in activating signaling pathways in the body, including those involved in inflammation, and fighting infection and cancer. While TNF-alpha actives signaling pathways that play important roles in a normal immune response, excessive production of TNF-alpha can be harmful and contribute to the development of various autoimmune diseases. Infliximab helps by blocking the damage caused by too much TNF-alpha.
The Remicade brand of infliximab was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. The following biosimilar products have subsequently been approved:
- Avsola (infliximab-axxq) in 2019
- Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) in 2016
- Ixifi (infliximab-qbtx) in 2017
- Renflexis (infliximab-abda) in 2017
No interchangeable biosimilars have been approved.
What is infliximab used for?
Infliximab is a prescription medicine that is approved for patients with:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, along with the medicine methotrexate.
