infliximab
Remicade (infliximab) is a chimeric antibody that binds and neutralises TNF-alpha, one of the first biologics for inflammatory disease. Given by infusion, it is used in Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and other immune conditions.
This page is based on FDA prescribing information and the EMA medicine record for infliximab, cross-checked with the National Cancer Institute dictionary; the mechanism is explained in plain language, and analogies are used only where they stay accurate.
How it works
Explains what the medicine does in the body, not dosing, side effects, or safety.
An analogy
In inflammatory disease, TNF-alpha is a fire alarm that keeps ringing, calling more immune cells into the gut or joints. Infliximab is a fire blanket thrown over the alarm bell - it binds the signal wherever it appears, soluble or attached to cells, so the call never goes out and the inflammation slowly burns out.
In simple terms
In conditions such as Crohn disease and rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system produces too much TNF-alpha, a chemical that keeps inflammation active. Infliximab is an antibody given by intravenous infusion that binds TNF-alpha and neutralises it. With the signal removed, inflammation in the affected tissues decreases, symptoms improve and, in Crohn disease, abnormal fistula connections can close.
In depth
Infliximab is a chimeric mouse-human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds soluble and transmembrane TNF-alpha with high affinity, blocking receptor engagement and inducing complement-mediated lysis and apoptosis of cells bearing membrane TNF. It was among the first approved anti-TNF biologics. Because it contains murine sequences, antidrug antibodies can form, which is why it is commonly combined with methotrexate.
See it in motion
A schematic animation of the mechanism — simplified for clarity, not drawn to scale.
How chimeric infliximab neutralises both soluble and membrane TNF-alpha
- In conditions such as Crohn disease and rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system produces too much TNF-alpha, a chemical that keeps inflammation active.
- Infliximab is an antibody given by intravenous infusion that binds TNF-alpha and neutralises it.
- Infliximab is a chimeric mouse-human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds soluble and transmembrane TNF-alpha with high affinity, blocking receptor engagement and inducing complement-mediated lysis and apoptosis of cells bearing membrane TNF.
- Because it contains murine sequences, antidrug antibodies can form, which is why it is commonly combined with methotrexate.
Target: Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)
A cytokine at the top of the inflammatory cascade in gut, joint and skin disease; neutralising it interrupts the loop that keeps tissues inflamed.
Approved uses
Approved uses differ by country and change over time. Always follow your local prescribing information.
Approved uses in United States
FDA- Reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in adults with moderately to severely active Crohn disease with an inadequate response to conventional therapy
- Reducing the number of draining enterocutaneous and rectovaginal fistulas and maintaining fistula closure in adults with fistulizing Crohn disease
Approved uses in European Union
EMA- With methotrexate, for active rheumatoid arthritis in adults when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including methotrexate, has been inadequate
Official sources
The statements on this page trace back to these records.
- Remicade (infliximab) — Summary of product characteristics and package leaflet, English version
European Medicines Agency
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: infliximab prescribing information
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- National Cancer Institute: infliximab
National Cancer Institute
This page explains how the medicine works — it isn’t the patient leaflet. For anything that applies to you, read the leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist.
MedUnfold provides educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow your local prescribing information and healthcare professional.