Certolizumab pegol – Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor for refractory uveitis

Abstract Purpose The purpose of our study is to report our experience with the use of certolizumab pegol in patients with refractory non-infectious uveitis. Observations We present a case series of three patients with non-infectious uveitis, treated with twice-monthly subcutaneous certolizumab pegol. All of our patients had different types of uveitis and different underlying etiologies. All of our patients had previously failed various immunomodulatory therapies and/or were intolerant to at least one tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor agent. Following initiation of therapy with certolizumab pegol, all three patients showed significant clinical improvement of their ocular inflammation. No adverse events from treatment with certolizumab pegol were observed. Conclusions and Importance: We observed positive outcomes using the TNF inhibitor certolizumab pegol for the treatment of patients with refractory, non-infectious uveitis, in whom therapy with other TNF inhibitors was inadequate or in which there were tolerance issues. Patients who have failed other TNF inhibitors may benefit from treatment with certolizumab pegol.