Enbrel (etanercept) belongs to a class of prescription drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. TNF is a naturally occurring cytokine in the body that plays a key role in the immune system's inflammatory process. Excess TNF has been observed in patients with certain types of autoimmune diseases. Enbrel is prescribed to reduce the amount of TNF in the body and is indicated for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases.
Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Since November 1998, Enbrel has been approved as a treatment for adults with RA. The drug is effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of RA, as well as improving the physical function of patients. Enbrel can be used alone or in combination with Methotrexate, but combination therapy is more effective in reducing symptoms.
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Since May 1999, Enbrel has been approved as a treatment to reduce the signs and symptoms associated with moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children over 2 years of age. According to Immunex, 75 percent of children taking Enbrel saw improvements within 2 to 4 weeks.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Since January 2002, Enbrel has been approved as a treatment to reduce the signs and symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis in adults, as well as improving the physical function of patients. According to Immunex, 50 percent of patients taking Enbrel saw improvements in 4 weeks through 6 months of therapy. Enbrel can be use alone or in combination with Methotrexate.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Since July 2003, Enbrel has been approved as a treatment to reduce the signs and symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis, or spinal arthritis, in adults. In the June 2003 issue of "Arthritis & Rheumatism," Brandt et. al. saw "at least a 50 percent regression of disease activity in 57 percent of patients" taking Enbrel.
Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Since April 2004, Enbrel has been approved as a treatment to reduce the signs and symptoms associated with moderate to severe, chronic plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Leonardi et. al. saw 75 percent improvement in 59 percent of patients taking Enbrel, as published in the 2003 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine."
