Additional tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker analysis information

The FDA notified healthcare professionals on August 4, 2009 that it had completed its analysis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and concluded that there is an increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers associated with the use of these drugs in children and adolescents. The FDA is now providing additional information concerning its analysis with a supplemental Questions and Answers sheet.

TNF blockers are approved for the treatment of one or more of a number of immune system diseases including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. The drugs in this class include Remicade (infliximab, from Centocor Ortho Biotech), Enbrel (etancercept, from Amgen), Humira (adalimumab, from Abbott), Cimzia (certolizumab pegol, from UCB) and Simponi (golimumab, from Centocor Ortho Biotech).

For more information visit www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm175843.htm.