3.1.1
Etanercept (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) is a recombinant human tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor fusion protein that inhibits the activity of TNF. TNF is a cytokine that is released from T lymphocytes; it mediates inflammation and modulates the cellular immune response. Etanercept is licensed for the 'treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who have failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or who are intolerant to other systemic therapies including ciclosporin, methotrexate or PUVA'. It is also licensed for the treatment of active and progressive PsA in adults when the response to previous disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy has been inadequate.