Biologic agents in the management of inflammatory eye diseases

Abstract

Biologics are a new class of drugs that comprise recombinant cytokines and monoclonal antibodies directed against selected cell-surface markers. They include the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab; the antilymphocyte drugs rituximab and alemtuzumab; the interleukin-2 receptor blocker daclizumab; and recombinant interferon-α. This article reviews the rationale and current evidence for their use in uveitis, scleritis, and orbital inflammation. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.