Inflectra (Infliximab) Infusion

Inflectra (Infliximab) is a biosimilar to Remicade, designed to treat inflammatory autoimmune diseases by inhibiting the activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). TNF-α is a cytokine that plays a key role in promoting inflammation and is implicated in several chronic inflammatory conditions. Inflectra is used primarily for treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory diseases. This medication is administered through intravenous infusion and is usually prescribed for moderate to severe forms of autoimmune disorders.

How It Works

Inflectra (Infliximab) is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and binds to TNF-α, preventing it from interacting with its receptors on the surface of cells. By neutralizing TNF-α, Inflectra reduces inflammation, helps to control immune system activity, and slows the progression of tissue damage caused by chronic inflammatory diseases.

Mechanism of Action:

1. Binding to TNF-α: Inflectra binds to TNF-α, a cytokine that promotes inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
2. Blocking TNF-α Receptor Interaction: This binding prevents TNF-α from attaching to its receptors on the surface of immune cells, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response.
3. Reduced Inflammation: As a result, the inflammatory process is decreased, reducing symptoms such as swelling, pain, and tissue damage in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Inflectra’s therapeutic effect is achieved by modulating the immune system’s response and providing relief from the symptoms associated with excessive inflammation.

Side Effects

While Inflectra can be highly effective in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, it may cause side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects:

• Upper Respiratory Infections: Cold-like symptoms such as congestion, cough, or sore throat.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches are common.
• Nausea: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the abdominal region.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious Infections: Increased risk of serious infections like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or sepsis, as the immune system is suppressed.
• Heart Failure: Can exacerbate or lead to heart failure in some cases.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, or rash.
• Liver Problems: Symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, or liver enzyme elevation.
• Lymphoma or Skin Cancer: Increased risk of malignancies, especially in those receiving long-term therapy.

Patients should be monitored regularly for any signs of serious side effects, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider.

Indications

Inflectra is indicated for the treatment of several inflammatory autoimmune conditions where TNF-α is a major contributor to the disease process. These include:

Approved Indications:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: For adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, usually in combination with methotrexate.
2. Crohn’s Disease: For reducing signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease, including in pediatric patients.
3. Ulcerative Colitis: For adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.
4. Ankylosing Spondylitis: For patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis: Used to treat active psoriatic arthritis to reduce joint damage.
6. Plaque Psoriasis: For the treatment of adult patients with chronic severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Contraindications

Inflectra is contraindicated in certain patients due to the risk of severe adverse effects.

Contraindications:

1. Severe Infections: Should not be administered to patients with active infections such as sepsis or tuberculosis.
2. Hypersensitivity to Infliximab: Patients who have had an allergic reaction to infliximab or any component of Inflectra should not use the medication.
3. Heart Failure: Inflectra is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe heart failure, as it may exacerbate the condition.
4. Hepatitis B Infection: Patients with an active or chronic hepatitis B infection should avoid treatment due to the risk of reactivation.
5. Live Vaccines: Should not be given to patients who have recently received live vaccines, as the immunosuppressive nature of the drug may increase the risk of infection.

Price in Different Countries

The cost of Inflectra varies across different countries based on healthcare systems, availability, and insurance coverage. The following table provides a comparison of prices in various regions.

Country	Price (Per Infusion)	Reference
United States	$1,200 – $1,800	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£800 – £1,200	NHS
Canada	CAD $1,500 – $2,000	Canada Pharmacy
India	INR ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000	1mg
Australia	AUD $1,400 – $2,000	PBS Australia

Top 5 Global Brands

Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture and distribute infliximab biosimilars and related immunosuppressive drugs globally. Here are the top five brands recognized for producing infliximab or similar medications.

1. Pfizer

• Manufacturer of Inflectra, Pfizer is a leader in global healthcare solutions and pharmaceuticals, producing a wide range of biosimilars.

2. Janssen Biotech (Johnson & Johnson)

• Janssen developed the original infliximab brand, Remicade, and continues to market the drug for autoimmune diseases.

3. Sandoz (Novartis)

• Sandoz is another global leader in biosimilars, producing Zessly, another infliximab biosimilar for treating autoimmune conditions.

4. Samsung Bioepis

• Samsung Bioepis manufactures Renflexis, a biosimilar of infliximab used in multiple countries to treat inflammatory conditions.

5. Celltrion Healthcare

• Celltrion Healthcare manufactures Remsima, another biosimilar version of infliximab, widely available in Europe, Asia, and other regions.