[Inhibition of the joint destruction in RA by TNF-blocking agents].

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -inhibitory biological response modifiers include neutralizing antibodies and receptor-immunoglobulin G (IgG) fusion proteins. These agents induce an amelioration of clinical signs and symptoms in most of the patients within a few weeks. Moreover, their inhibitory, or often repairing, effects on joint destruction are further excellent even in Japanese patients receiving a relatively lower dose of methotrexate (MTX) probably due to the direct inhibition of osteoclast activation through TNF.