What is HUMIRA [Crohn's/Colitis]?
HUMIRA is a medication used to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two types of inflammatory bowel diseases. It is designed to target and neutralize a protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which is responsible for triggering the inflammation associated with Crohn's and colitis.
The medication is administered via subcutaneous injections, and the frequency of injections may vary depending on the individual's needs and symptoms. HUMIRA is known to be an effective treatment option for many people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with a significant number experiencing reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.
It is important to note that HUMIRA may have some side effects, including fatigue, headaches, infections, and injection site reactions. Individuals should discuss any potential risks and benefits of HUMIRA with their doctor, as well as their medical history, before starting the treatment.
Overall, HUMIRA can be a life-changing medication for those suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. By targeting the root causes of inflammation, it can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for many individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions about humira [crohn's/colitis]
Humira is presented as a vial, or a single-use prefilled syringe, containing 40 mg of active substance in 0.8 ml of a buffered solution comprised of mannitol, citric acid monohydrate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, and Polysorbate 80.
The drug suppresses the immune system by blocking the activity of TNF. TNF is a protein produced naturally by the body's immune system. Some people with certain autoimmune diseases produce too much TNF. Humira is designed to stop tumor necrosis factor-α, or TNF, from attacking healthy cells.
HUMIRA is a prescription medication that targets and blocks a source of inflammation caused by moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). It is administered by injection under the skin. You can administer it yourself, either by Pen or syringe, in the comfort of your own home.
Humira contains the active drug adalimumab, which is a biologic medication. Biologics are medications made from living cells. Adalimumab belongs to a class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. (A class of medications is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.)
“Humira (D2E7, adalimumab) was originally developed through a joint venture between Cambridge Antibody Technology and BASF in the UK,” she explains. “In 2000, Abbott acquired the pharmaceutical segment of the German chemical company BASF for $6.9bn.
The brand name Humira stands for "human monoclonal antibody in rheumatoid arthritis", and was named by one of Abbott's employees, Richard J. Karwoski, who was also responsible for leading the effort to get Humira approved by the FDA.
Through its savvy but legal exploitation of the U.S. patent system, Humira's manufacturer, AbbVie, blocked competitors from entering the market. For the next six years, the drug's price kept rising. Today, Humira is the most lucrative franchise in pharmaceutical history.
Humira (adalimumab) is a medication that is used over the long-term. Your doctor will check your medication at regular intervals to be sure staying on Humira is appropriate for you. Your dose for Humira can also vary and depends on the condition being treated. However, many patients stay on Humira for many years.
There are risks in taking Humira, especially as it interferes with the body's ability to fight infections. However, it is effective in treating symptoms of Crohn's and can help a person remain in remission. There are various potential risks and side effects of the medication, most of which relate to signs of infection.
HUMIRA mechanism of action
Adalimumab targets and blocks a source of inflammation by binding specifically to TNF alpha, an inflammation-causing protein, which helps to reduce the inflammation in the body that can lead to ulcerative colitis symptoms.
It is what's known as a biologic. Typically, patients must have an inadequate response to conventional medications to be considered for biologics. More specifically, Humira is a tumor necrosis factor-α blocker, or TNF blocker. The drug suppresses the immune system by blocking the activity of TNF.
Why Humira Biosimilars Now? Humira brought in more than $20 billion in 2021 for its manufacturer, AbbVie.
The brand name Humira stands for "human monoclonal antibody in rheumatoid arthritis", and was named by one of Abbott's employees, Richard J. Karwoski, who was also responsible for leading the effort to get Humira approved by the FDA.
HUMIRA is a medicine called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. HUMIRA targets and blocks TNF-alpha. TNF plays a role in the process that causes inflammation. Because TNF blockers, including HUMIRA, affect the immune system, they can lower the ability to fight infections and may cause other serious side effects.
A significant factor in Humira's success has been the absence of biosimilar competition. This is partially related to Paragraph IV settlement agreements negotiated between AbbVie and adalimumab biosimilar manufacturers.
Ultimately, the study showed that 40% of patients taking HUMIRA achieved and maintained remission at 26 weeks,* and 36% of those patients achieved and maintained remission at 56 weeks. Individual results may vary.