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adalimumab (Mabura)

✓ Approved

Hetero Labs · TNF · Monoclonal Antibodies

What is adalimumab?

adalimumab is a monoclonal antibodies developed by Hetero Labs. It is approved for therapeutic indications via injectable (others) or intravenous (iv) or subcutaneous injection.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesMabura
CompanyHetero Labs
Drug ClassMonoclonal Antibodies, Antibody
Molecular TargetTNF
RouteInjectable (Others), Intravenous (IV), Subcutaneous Injection
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Hetero Labs

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

adalimumab acts on 1 molecular target:

TNFtumor necrosis factor (TNFA, TNF-alpha)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

adalimumab is developed for 10 unique indications across 4 therapeutic areas.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disordersAnkylosing spondylitis✓ Approved
Gastrointestinal disordersColitis ulcerative✓ Approved
Gastrointestinal disordersCrohn's disease✓ Approved
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersHidradenitis✓ Approved
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disordersPsoriasis✓ Approved

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Related Research Articles

PubMedCureus2026-05-25

Dual-Site Inflammation During Adalimumab Therapy: Birdshot Chorioretinopathy Complicated by Paradoxical Psoriasis.

Naumkinaite Diana D, Virpsaite Melita M, Radaviciute Ieva I, Raudonis Tadas T et al.

Birdshot chorioretinopathy is a chronic posterior uveitis that often requires systemic immunomodulatory therapy, yet biologic agents, particularly tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, may trigger paradoxical cutaneous inflammation and complicate multidisciplinary management. A 32-year-old man was evaluated for progressive right eye (RE) visual decline and long-standing floaters. Examination showed bilateral posterior uveitis with chorioretinitis and retinal vasculitis, more severe in the RE, with significant cystoid macular edema (CME) and leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA). Infectious and systemic causes were excluded, and human leukocyte antigen A29 (HLA-A29) was not detected. Systemic methylprednisolone induced partial anatomic improvement but was limited by recurrence during tapering and by intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, prompting escalation with mycophenolate mofetil and later adalimumab therapy for persistent, refractory CME. After an insufficient response, an intravitreal dexamethasone implant achieved edema regression but was followed by ocular hypertension requiring sustained IOP-lowering therapy. During the same treatment course, new-onset palmoplantar pustular and scalp lesions developed, with steroid-dependent fluctuations, and histopathology showed mild spongiotic dermatitis with Langerhans cell microabscesses; the overall presentation was considered consistent with adalimumab-associated paradoxical psoriasis. Cutaneous disease showed only transient benefit from topical therapy and phototherapy, and an interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor was recommended but declined by the patient. This case illustrates how anti-TNF-α therapy may be insufficient for ocular inflammatory control while precipitating paradoxical psoriasis. Optimal outcomes rely on coordinated ophthalmology-dermatovenereology care when ocular disease activity and treatment-emergent skin complications evolve in parallel.

PMID 42181395
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PubMedCureus2026-05-25

Comparative Effectiveness of Four Biologics for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Abdullah Abdullah A, Polus Linda L

Multiple biologic agents targeting different inflammatory pathways are available for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. While previous network meta-analyses have compared biologics, most were published before the approval of bimekizumab (the newest dual interleukin [IL]-17A/F inhibitor) and lack head-to-head comparisons incorporating this agent alongside other contemporary biologic therapies. We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed and Clinical Trials to identify phase III randomized controlled trials comparing biologic treatments for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The primary outcome was achievement of 90% or greater reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) at week 16. We performed a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all treatment comparisons. From 642 records identified, 11 phase III randomized controlled trials (10 datasets, 6,657 patients) were included, comparing bimekizumab (IL-17A/F inhibitor), secukinumab (IL-17A inhibitor), risankizumab and guselkumab (IL-23p19 inhibitors), adalimumab (tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor), ustekinumab (IL-12/23 inhibitor), and placebo. Compared with placebo, all active treatments showed significant efficacy: bimekizumab (OR 170.04, 95% CI 104.33-277.14), risankizumab (OR 95% CI 59.97-151.74), guselkumab (OR 82.25, 95% CI 51.23-132.03), secukinumab (OR 75.01, 95% CI 45.37-124.02), adalimumab (OR 30.07, 95% CI 19.16-47.18), and ustekinumab (OR 26.68, 95% CI 16.48-43.20). Network heterogeneity was low (I² = 0.0%) for most comparisons. Bimekizumab demonstrated the highest efficacy for achieving PASI 90 at week 16, followed by risankizumab, guselkumab, and secukinumab. All newer biologic agents showed substantial superiority over adalimumab and ustekinumab. These findings can inform treatment selection and guideline development for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

PMID 42181314
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PubMedFrontiers in medicine2026-05-25

Suspected HSV vs. demyelinating transverse myelitis in patient on TNF alpha inhibitor: a case report.

Mahfouz Sarah S, Loutfi Tania T, Jreige Wafaa W, Mattar Hanna H

Herpes reactivation is a rare complication in patients receiving immunosuppressive medications, particularly tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, particularly when it manifests as myelitis. Meanwhile, a first episode of transverse myelitis is closely related to the early risk of developing a demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and MS-like conditions. We report the case of a middle eastern man in his early 30s who was previously diagnosed with spondyloarthritis, currently treated with adalimumab, and who developed cervical myelitis, showing as a T2 hypersignal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) localized at the level of his C2 vertebra with a unilateral clinical presentation, concomitant with positive serology testing for herpes simplex virus (HSV), suggestive of a reactivation, in the absence of a feasible cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Management was primarily through methylprednisolone pulse therapy and intravenous (IV) acyclovir, in addition to physical rehabilitation and the temporary discontinuation of adalimumab, yielding positive results and a full recovery at 6 months. This case highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of neuroimmune complications in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, using non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques. It also showcases the complexity of differentials for acute transverse myelitis when no sufficient evidence is available for a neuroinfectious or demyelinating disease diagnosis.

PMID 42180712
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PubMedFrontiers in medicine2026-05-25

Reversibility of calcinosis in anti-NXP2-positive refractory dermatomyositis treated with TNF-α blockade: a brief report.

Huang Hui H, Yu Haiguo H, Fan Zhidan Z, Guo Yihong Y et al.

Calcinosis cutis is one of the most refractory complications of dermatomyositis (DM), particularly in patients with anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2) autoantibodies. Whether tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blockade is associated with regression of established calcinosis remains uncertain. We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of nine patients with refractory dermatomyositis or juvenile dermatomyositis treated with TNF-α inhibitors (infliximab or adalimumab). Myositis-specific autoantibodies, longitudinal muscle strength (MMT8, CMAS), glucocorticoid exposure, and serial imaging of calcinosis were evaluated. Calcinosis change was analyzed as an exploratory endpoint. Three patients were anti-NXP2 positive, and six were negative for tested myositis-specific autoantibodies. TNF-α blockade was associated with sustained clinical improvement and a marked steroid-sparing effect, with median daily prednisolone dose decreasing from 40 mg at baseline to 5 mg at 12 months. Radiographic regression of calcinosis, defined a priori as a ≥20% reduction in maximal lesion diameter on serial imaging, was observed in 2 of 3 anti-NXP2-positive patients after prolonged treatment (12-20 months): notably, calcinosis was absent at baseline in all anti-NXP2-negative patients, precluding assessment of regression in this subgroup. One patient with pre-existing interstitial lung abnormalities experienced pulmonary deterioration, leading to treatment discontinuation. In this small retrospective cohort, prolonged TNF-α blockade was associated with radiographic regression of calcinosis in a subset of anti-NXP2-positive patients, while calcinosis was absent at baseline in antibody-negative patients. These findings generate a hypothesis that antibody-defined subgroups may differ in calcinosis responsiveness and warrant prospective validation.

PMID 42180689
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PubMedClinical medicine insights. Arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders2026-05-22

Prescription Pattern and Safety of Biologics in Autoimmune Rheumatologic Diseases in Tertiary Care Hospital of Bihar.

Shakur Adil Ali AA, Kumar Raj R, Ranjan Raushan Kumar RK, Hameed Saajid S et al.

Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune rheumatologic diseases, but data on their real-world use and safety in resource-limited settings like Bihar, India, are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the prescription patterns and safety profile of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b-DMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a tertiary care hospital in Bihar. A prospective, observational cohort study conducted over 12 months. A total of 120 adult patients with RA prescribed b-DMARDs were enrolled. Data on demographic, clinical characteristics, and treatment details were collected. Disease activity (DAS-28-CRP) and functional status (HAQ-DI) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Adverse events, particularly infections, were recorded and analysed using multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors. Biologicals were prescribed in 14.93% patients with RA. Adalimumab (49.17%) was the most prescribed b-DMARD, followed by etanercept (28.33%). Methotrexate was the most common concomitant conventional DMARD (85.83%). All b-DMARDs significantly improved DAS-28-CRP and HAQ-DI scores (P < .0001), with adalimumab showing the greatest improvement. Infliximab had the highest infection rate (53.33%), whereas etanercept had the lowest (14.70%). Regression analysis identified infliximab use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.27), concomitant corticosteroid use (aOR: 2.74), and the presence of comorbidities (aOR: 2.13) as significant independent risk factors for infection. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are effective in RA, but infection risks vary. Adalimumab and etanercept demonstrated favourable efficacy and safety profiles, respectively. Treatment decisions should be personalized, considering drug-specific risks, corticosteroid co-therapy, and patient comorbidities, especially in resource-constrained settings.

PMID 42169865
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PubMedBioMed research international2026-05-22

Anti-TNF Drug-Induced Sarcoidosis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Multicentric Case Series and Literature Review.

Bez Patrick P, Chkolnaia Zlata Z, Aratari Annalisa A, Ascolani Marta M et al.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory granulomatous condition and presents overlapping features with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anti-TNF treatment has revolutionized the management of several conditions, including IBD and sarcoidosis. Yet, anti-TNF drugs have been associated with drug-induced sarcoidosis reaction (DISR). This is a retrospective, international, multicentric case series, including IBD patients with anti-TNF-related DISR. A literature review was performed to identify previously published cases. Nine new cases of anti-TNF-related DISR in IBD are described with a long follow-up (median 45 months). After literature review, a total of 26 cases were identified. The diagnosis required histological evidence of granulomas in involved organs in all patients. Most patients had a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (n = 19, 73.1%). The culprit drug was infliximab in 15 (57.7%) and adalimumab in 11 (42.3%). The median time to sarcoidosis development was 21 months. Compared to conventional sarcoidosis, extrathoracic involvement was more prevalent (n = 20, 76.7%). Management of DISR consisted of discontinuing anti-TNF treatment in 20 cases (76.9%) and providing specific treatment in 17 cases (65.4%), with favorable outcomes in all cases. Despite its rarity, DISR may be challenging for IBD patients. Discontinuation of anti-TNF treatment is recommended, and specific treatment is required for moderate-to-severe cases.

PMID 42170754
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