How REMICADE Works

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the digestive tract. Research has shown that in Crohn's disease, the body is overproducing a substance known as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). REMICADE® (infliximab) works by neutralizing the biologic activity of this substance, which is an important cause of the inflammation processes of Crohn's disease. Because REMICADE neutralizes the TNF-alpha, patients may experience a reduction in their signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease.

REMICADE has been shown in medical studies to heal the lining of the intestine, and a single dose has been shown to provide benefits for 8 to 12 weeks, on average.

What is TNF-alpha?

TNF-alpha is a substance that circulates in the bloodstream and plays an important role in the inflammatory process. Overproduction of TNF-alpha may lead to some diseases associated with inflammation, such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Because REMICADE blocks TNF-alpha in Crohn's patients, it is sometimes called an "anti-TNF-alpha antibody."

So what does REMICADE do in the body?

In Crohn's disease, the body produces more TNF-alpha than the body's natural receptors can lock onto.

REMICADE helps control the symptoms of Crohn's disease by binding to TNF-alpha and neutralizing its action. REMICADE may also work by altering the function of the immune cells involved in Crohn's disease.[1]

Reference 1. Van Deventer SJH. Tumour necrosis factor and Crohn's disease. Gut. 1997;40:443-448.