Biologics in Inflammatory Immune-mediated Systemic Diseases

Abstract

Background: The use of biologic agents in systemic immune-mediated diseases has dramatically increased in recent years, replacing conventional immunosuppressive strategies that are characterized by unspecific mechanisms of action and burdened with serious adverse effects. Biologic drugs have selective action towards specific targets, with considerable steroid-sparing effect. They are used nowadays to induce remission or treat specific organ involvements in systemic autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion: In this review, we will discuss the scientific evidence supporting the use of biologics in these diseases, with a particular emphasis on their efficacy and safety profile compared to the conventional drugs.

Keywords: ANCA-associated vasculitis; Behcet Disease; Systemic Sclerosis (SSc); Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE); TNF-inhibitors; belimumab; rituximab; tocilizumab.