A crucial step forward in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis has taken place with the introduction of the so called biological drugs, e.g. the TNF-alfa inhibitors. They inhibit the signal molecule TNF-alfa which plays an important role in immune system process that leads to the inflammation.
TNF-alfa inhibitors are offered to patients who are severely affected, and do not respond well to conservative treatment. Every second patient who receives biological treatment experiences a significant improvement with respect to pain and stiffness.
There are currently three different types of TNF-alfa inhibitors:
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Remicade, which is only prescribed and administered intravenously at hospitals, normally every 6-8 weeks.
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Enbrel, which is injected once or twice weekly.
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Humira, which is injected once every second week.
Biological drugs impair the immune defence system and may, therefore, not be administered to patients with severe infections, e.g. pneumonia. Furthermore, biological drugs may cause tuberculosis, if the bacteria are carried by the patient.
