Clinical use of biologics in vasculitis syndromes

ical use of biologics in vasculitis syndromes Review (1651) Total Article Views Authors: Paroli M Published Date October 2012 Volume 2012:6 Pages 371 - 378 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S37537 Received: 31 August 2012 Accepted: 22 September 2012 Published: 25 October 2012 Marino Paroli Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnology and Medical-Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Abstract: Vasculitis syndromes are relative rare conditions but can cause significant mortality and morbidity if not treated adequately. Recent advances in immunosuppressant therapy have radically changed the course of these diseases. However, the standard therapy is not always well tolerated by patients, and some cases are refractory to treatment. New therapeutic possibilities have emerged with the use of so-called "biologics," a new class of genetically engineered drugs used for inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. In the present review, summarized are the most recent data on the efficacy and safety of biologics in the treatment of vasculitis syndromes that cannot be treated with standard therapy.