Enbrel, also known as etanercept, is a prescription drug used to treat chronic autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Enbrel targets a specific component of the inflammatory response and immune system to effectively reduce the symptoms of autoimmune disorders. Individuals suffering from arthritis, psoriasis and other autoimmune complications may want to discuss the potential benefits of Enbrel with a physician before beginning therapy.
Established Safety and Efficacy
Enbrel has been commercially available by prescription as a treatment for autoimmune disorders since 1998 and has a well-established safety profile. Enbrel was the first protein-based drug developed for rheumatoid arthritis and represents the standard of care for rheumatoid arthritis treatment by rheumatologists. Enbrel is also commonly used to treat other autoimmune reactions such as plaque psoriasis. Other medications have come on the market since Enbrel to treat these conditions but offer little if any advantage over Enbrel, according to a report by Decision Resources described in Medical News Today.
Well-Understood Side Effects
Enbel is not free of side effects. The potential side effects of Enbrel, however, are well understood and have been extensively studied in multiple clinical trials. Drugs.com explains that these side effects are generally manageable and usually relate to the immunosuppressive effects of Enbrel. For instance, individuals taking Enbrel may be less likely to fight off infections. A few controversial studies suggest that in rare cases Enbrel may increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Other drugs may become available to similarly treat symptoms of autoimmunity; however, it may take some time for the side effects of other drugs to emerge, even years after their introduction to the market.
Effective Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Plaque Psoriasis
Drug information provided by Enbrel.com explains that Enbrel is the most commonly prescribed biological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Enbrel effectively reduces the pain, stiffness and fatigue caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Enbrel is highly effective and reduces symptoms in about two out of three patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, 55 percent of arthritis patients show no progression of joint damage after five years of Enbrel therapy. Enbrel is also commonly prescribed to treat conditions of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The efficacy of Enbrel in treating these conditions is in part due to its unique mechanism of action that works inside the body to reduce symptoms.
Potential toTreat Alzheimer's Disease
While Enbrel was originally developed to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, other therapeutic uses of Enbrel are emerging. A study by Tobinick and Gross published in the "Journal of Neuroinflammation" in 2008 demonstrates that Enbrel can rapidly improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer's patients, presumably by inhibiting inflammatory or immune responses in the brain. Enbrel's potential to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease will require a number of clinical studies before Enbrel can be approved for use in these conditions. These studies, however, show that Enbrel may emerge as a powerful treatment for a number of chronic conditions generally associated with inflammation and immunity.
References
- PubMed Health: Etanercept Injection
- Medical NewsToday: Current And Emerging Therapies Have No Advantage Over Enbrel In Reducing The Signs And Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Enbrel.com: What Is ENBREL?
- "Journal of Neuroinflammation"; Rapid cognitive improvement in Alzheimer's disease following perispinal etanercept administration; January 2008
- Drugs.com: Enbrel
