Comparative Analysis of Humira and Amjevita Medications for Treatment

This report provides a comparative analysis of Humira and Amjevita, two medications used to treat inflammatory conditions. The report highlights that both are tumor necrosis factor blockers, but Amjevita is a biosimilar to Humira. It discusses the differences in their approvals and applications, such as Amjevita's current lack of approval for uveitis or hidradenitis and the need for specific prescriptions for Amjevita substitution. The report also mentions the significance of Amjevita's approval as the first biosimilar of Humira and its potential to offer additional treatment options. Moreover, the report highlights that both medications work by minimizing the levels of active tumor necrosis factor, and the active ingredient in Amjevita is an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody that contains similar amino acids as found in Humira. The report also references multiple sources for further information.

Running Head: HUMIRA AND AMJEVITA
Difference Humira and Amjevita
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HUMIRA AND AMJEVITA 2
Difference between Humira and Amjevita
Amjevita and humira are grouped within a medication class known as biologic response
modifiers. The class is also called tumor necrosis factor blockers. Amjevita and humira works on
the immune system by blocking proteins which contribute to the illness process. It should be
noted that tumor necrosis factor blockers suppress the immune system through blocking the TNF
activity, a substance in the human body which has the potential of causing inflammation as well
as leading to immune-system illness like ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease,
plaque psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis¹. Amjevita and Humira
minimizes the levels of active tumor necrosis factor. There are some differences between
amjevita and Humira. For instance, unlike Humira, amjevita is not yet permitted and approved to
treat uveitis or hidradenitis. Moreover, amjevita is not permitted as an interchangeable product in
most pharmacies implying that pharmacists must get an approval from a prescribing healthcare
provider to substitute Amjevita for Humira especially if it is not specified on the prescription.
Amjevita is the first developed biosimilar of Humira to be approved by the food and
drugs agency. The approval of Amjevita has been described as a positive achievement as it
marks a new chapter in the history of Amgen of being a leader in the biotechnology industry².
Moreover, Amjevita has been described ti hold the potential of offering individuals suffering
from chronic inflammatory illness an extra treatment option. It should be noted that an active
ingredient of Amjevita is known as an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody that contains similar
amino acid as found in Humira³.

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References
1. Mahler SM, Wardiana A, Jones ML, Bakker CJ, Graham GG, Howard CB. Biosimilars
approved for treatment of inflammatory rheumatological diseases. International Journal
of Rheumatic Diseases [Internet]. 2016 Nov [cited 2019 Apr 24];19(11):1043–8.
Available from: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=aph&AN=120631086&site=ehost-live
2. PR Newswire. FDA approves Amjevita, a biosimilar to Humira. PR Newswire US
[Internet]. 2016 Sep 23 [cited 2019 Apr 25]; Available from:
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=bwh&AN=201609231646PR.NEWS.USPR.DC00117&site=ehost-live
3. PR Newswire. FDA Approves Amgen’s AMJEVITA™ (Adalimumab-Atto) For
Treatment Of Seven Inflammatory Diseases. PR Newswire US [Internet]. 2016 Sep 23
[cited 2019 Apr 25]; Available from: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=bwh&AN=201609231803PR.NEWS.USPR.LA99875&site=ehost-live