Biologic agents in immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases: current state of the art and clinical practice in Romania

Abstract

The article describes a wide spectrum of biological agents for treatment of Immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases in clinical practice in EU. Pharmacological classification, main characteristics of anti-TNF agents and biologics with another modes of action, as well as the most important results of clinical trials are provided. Authors focused on the use of biological agents in clinical practice in emerging market regions such as Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Romania, were disparity due to economic and social factors provides challenges to achieving optimal monitoring and physician’s decision making. Such very important points as an adoption of «treat to target» recommendations to local practice, consensus guidelines on the criteria for biological treatment, patient education initiatives, the development of a national patients registry, are discussed.