Key Points
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Biologics are medicinal products manufactured in or extracted from a biological source and include a number of human monoclonal antibodies or variant fusion proteins.
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Highlights that dentists should be cautious when they schedule extractions in patients treated with anti-RANKL and anti-VEGF agents as they carry a risk for MRONJ and impaired wound healing.
Abstract
Biological agents – biologics, biologicals or biopharmaceuticals – are any medicinal product manufactured in, or extracted from, a biological source. They are often generated by DNA recombinant biotechnology and several dozen therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are now marketed for a variety of indications, increasingly in the management of inflammatory immune-mediated disorders, transplantation rejection and cancer treatments. Immunomodulatory mAbs are expensive, must be given by injection or infusion and can have adverse effects but are increasingly used and can be highly effective agents. This paper reviews these agents and their increasing relevance to oral science and healthcare.
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Introduction
Biopharmaceuticals – biologics, biologicals or biological agents (BAs) – are any medicinal product manufactured in or extracted from, a biological source. Biologics often target immunocytes or their products and thus specific steps in pro-inflammatory pathways.1,2 The term can include materials ranging from blood to stem cells and vaccines but it is used for gene-based and cellular biologics, often generated by DNA recombinant biotechnology. Biologics are of two main classes:
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Biologics: nearly identical to key signalling proteins, for example, biosynthetic human insulin, erythropoeitin, colony stimulating factors, or growth hormone
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Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs): 'custom-designed' using hybridoma or other technology, these are antibodies which aim to counteract or block a given biological substance, or to target and damage a specific cell type. Receptor constructs, also known as fusion proteins or chimeric proteins (literally, made of parts from different sources), are proteins created through the joining of two or more genes that originally coded for separate proteins. They are usually based on a monoclonal antibody (which gives specificity), linked to the immunoglobulin or a fraction of it (which gives stability). Naturally occurring fusion proteins are commonly found in cancer cells, where they may function as oncoproteins, for example bcr-abl in chronic myeloid leukaemia. In terms of a drug, chimerisation involves replacing segments of the antibody produced in a mouse that distinguish it from a human antibody, to reduce adverse reactions, and this is shown by inserting -xi- into the name – such as, abci-xi-mab. Chimerisation is for example, the basis of anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs such as etanercept, made of the combination of a TNF receptor (TNFR) with the Fc segment of IgG (immunoglobulin G1). The TNFR provides specificity for the drug target which is TNF, and the Fc segment is believed to add stability and deliverability to the drug.3,4
Biologics are often used to target immunocytes or their products and thus specific steps in pro-inflammatory pathways. Biologics may act in this way by binding directly to immunocytes (T lymphocytes, B cells, granulocytes, antigen-presenting cells [APCs], dendritic cells [DCs], macrophages or other immunocytes) or immune mediators (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, complement components) thereby acting to:
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Deplete them
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Suppress their function
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Prevent their homing to lymphoid organs and inflammatory sites
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Induce anergy (immune unresponsiveness).
Biologics include a number of human (suffix 'mab'), humanised (suffix 'zumab') or chimeric (mouse–human; suffix 'ximab') monoclonal antibodies or variant fusion proteins (suffix 'cept'). Several dozen therapeutic mAbs are now marketed for a variety of indications, increasingly in the treatment of inflammatory immune-mediated disorders, transplantation and cancers, where tremendous advances are occurring (Table 1).5
Immunomodulatory mAbs are expensive, and must be given by injection or infusion because they are large molecules.6,7,8 Their significant difference in size and the complexity of their structure in comparison to common drugs is depicted in Figure 1, where the paracetamol molecule is juxtaposed to the molecule of infliximab an anti-TNF agent. Despite the complicated synthesis and laborious conditions for their manufacturing, the number of new available biologic agents is growing. Furthermore, as the number of biologics increases exponentially, reports of adverse effects are also increasing and it is recognised that they may have an inherent risk for adverse immune-mediated drug reactions such as infusion reactions, cytokine storms, fatigue, arthralgias, immunosuppression, autoimmunity, infections, potential malignancy and other disorders. BAs use therefore requires precautionary considerations, including screening for coexistent medical disorders; the use of strict eligibility criteria which include a) severe disease, as measured by objective measurements and b) use only where patients are refractory to/intolerant of conventional systemic therapy or where such therapy is contraindicated.6 Nevertheless, despite potential serious adverse effects, biologics are generally considered safe – in part because of good adherence to clinical recommendations based upon data from controlled and observational studies, and the fast recognition and response to safety concerns.
Main biological agents
The three main classes of BAs are TNF-α inhibitors, lymphocyte modulators and interleukin inhibitors.
TNF-α inhibitors
TNF-α is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine central in the pathogenesis of immunologically driven disease acting via pathways to promote increased leucocyte activation and recruitment to sites of tissue inflammation. TNF acts by binding to the plasma membrane receptor TNFR, leading to inflammation, or programmed cell death (apoptosis).9
TNF-α inhibitors block the TNF effects upon target inflammatory cells (Fig. 2). TNF-α can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inflammation. These are achieved via activation of various pathways. TNF initiates activity by binding to cell-surface transmembrane receptors (TNF receptors). TNF-receptor 1 is generally expressed on all cell types, while TNF-receptor 2 is expressed only on endothelial and immune cells. TNF induces apoptosis by binding to TNF-receptor 1 which activates the caspase 3-8 cascade. TNF may promote inflammation by binding to either receptor 1 or 2. Signals are then produced, and mediated through TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), and thereafter by activating one or more of three pathways:
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JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)-dependent kinase cascade
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MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinases) kinase cascade
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NF-κB (Nuclear factor-kappa B) transcription factor.
TNF-α inhibitors include etanercept, infliximab, golimumab and adalimumab. These drugs are generally used to control inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or inflammatory bowel disease.10 The most common adverse effects from TNF-α blockers are injection and infusion site reactions. However, the most important safety problem is an increased risk of infections – including upper respiratory tract infections, opportunistic infections and reactivation of tuberculosis.11 Fungal or viral infections may also be seen.12
Immune reactions to TNF-α inhibitors include skin reactions, angiooedema and autoimmune disease, both systemic (lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, antiphospholipid syndrome and inflammatory myopathies) and organ-specific (interstitial lung disease, uveitis, optic neuritis, peripheral neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hepatitis).13 Demyelinating diseases or flares of existing demyelinating diseases can occur with TNF-α inhibitors.14
A further important safety problem related to BAs, such as the TNF-α blockers, is an increased risk of neoplasms. Furthermore, aplastic anaemia and/or pancytopenia may complicate treatment with etanercept or adalimumab.15
Lymphocyte action inhibitory agents
Lymphocyte modulators act on specific lymphocyte antigens (cluster of differentiation [CD] antigens).
T-cell modulators
T-cell modulators include alefacept, a chimeric fusion protein of leucocyte function-associated antigen-3 (LFA-3), and immunoglobulin G1 which targets CD2+ on T memory cells and on natural killer (NK) cells, blocking the LFA-3/CD2 interaction in antigen presentation and also inducing T cell apoptosis. Alefacept was withdrawn in US but not for safety concerns.
T-cell co-stimulators
T-cell co-stimulators (such as abatacept), approved for RA, was the first co-stimulatory blocker.16 It targets the early phase of inflammation in RA and has an acceptable safety profile – infections and risk of malignancy development are the most significant but rare adverse effects.17,18.
B-cell modulators
The most widely used B-cell modulator is rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody which targets CD20 on mature B cells and is approved for use in NHL (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and RA. Rituximab has a major benefit in patients with B-cell lymphomas.19 The B-cell depletion it causes (Fig. 3) can have serious adverse effects including infections (some fatal), including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by reactivation of latent JC virus infection. Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening complication that arises when the rapid lysis of tumour cells leads to the release of excessive quantities of cellular contents into the systemic circulation, resulting in a metabolic disturbance characterised by hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hyperuricaemia, and hypocalcaemia and can lead to acute oliguric renal failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Cutaneous eruptions can also arise. Rituximab is currently an off- label agent used in refractory cases of pemphigus vulgaris and Sjogren syndrome (see below), but clinicians should treat such cases with caution.7,8,9,20 A newer anti–B-cell agent, belimumab, has recently been approved for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Alemtuzumab
Alemtuzumab is a humanised anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, used for treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.21 Alemtuzumab carries a high risk for severe infections and autoimmune conditions.22
Efalizumab
Efalizumab is a recombinant humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody which binds to CD11a, an α-subunit of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). LFA binds to an intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), also known as CD54,23 and enhances the migration of T lymphocytes.24 Efalizumab has been withdrawn since 2009 because of a link with PML.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is a semi-synthetic end product of calicheamicin, a cytotoxic antibiotic connected to a recombinant monoclonal antibody directed against the CD33 antigen on myeloblasts in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).2 This agent was withdrawn in 2010 due to safety concerns, but newer evidence suggests some patients could benefit from low doses of gemtuzumab ozogamicin.25 Ibritumomab tiuxetan, a CD20-directed radiotherapeutic antibody, used in the treatment of NHLs26 has a box-FDA warning for serious mucocutaneous adverse reactions.27
Interleukin inhibitors
Interleukins are a group of cytokines (IL-1 to IL-35 have been identified) synthesised mainly by lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages whose role is the regulation of the immune system.28 Interleukin inhibitors are immunosuppressive agents which inhibit various interleukins and have a broad spectrum of uses depending on the interleukin they target.29
The chimeric anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody basiliximab, attaches to the alpha chain of interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2α) on the surface of activated T-lymphocytes and blocks them,30 and is used to prevent acute renal transplantation rejection. The most usual undesirable effects of basiliximab in adult patients are constipation, infections, pain, nausea, peripheral oedema, hypertension, anaemia, headache, hyperkalaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, raised serum creatinine and hypophosphataemia.31
IL-1β blockers canakinumab rinolacept and anakinra, have great efficacy in the control of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes.32
The anti-IL-2 receptor antibody daclizumab, is used to prevent acute transplant rejection with a similar safety profile as basiliximab33.
A humanised monoclonal antibody against IL-5 mepolizumab, is effective for the control of severe asthma in patients who suffered from exacerbations associated with persistent eosinophilic inflammation.34
A human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralises IL-17A secukinumab, is currently pending FDA approval for treatment of psoriasis.35
A recombinant humanised anti-human IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, tocilizumab, binds soluble as well as membrane bound IL-6 receptors, and is useful for rheumatoid arthritis.36
A fully human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-12 and IL-23 ustekinumab, is used for treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.37
Other biological agents
Anti-coagulant and anti neo–vascularisation agents
Abciximab, the Fab section of the chimeric human-murine monoclonal antibody 7E3 binds to the platelet receptor glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and is used as an antiplatelet agent. The main adverse effects are bleeding and thrombocytopenia.38
Bevacizumab (Avastin), a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, blocks angiogenesis is used in anti-cancer chemotherapy.39 The most common adverse reactions however, are epistaxis, headache, hypertension, rhinitis, taste alterations, dry skin, rectal haemorrhage, lacrimation disorders, back pain and exfoliative dermatitis.40 It is also labelled with an FDA warning for arterial thromboembolic events, hypertension, reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), proteinuria, infusion reactions and ovarian failure.41,42,43
Anti- epidermal growth factor receptors
Cetuximab, is an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) used against head and neck (including oral) and other cancers.44,45 A common adverse effect is a severe generalised acneiform eruption.46
Panitumumab, another EGFR competitor, has an FDA box warning for severe dermatologic toxicities.47
Trastuzumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of the HER-2/neu protein and used to control certain breast cancers,48 can have severe adverse effects, which include congestive heart failure and cardiac dysfunction while there are cases of patients who have developed leukaemia.49
Pertuzumab, a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody directed at the extracellular dimerisation domain (subdomain II) of HER2, used in breast cancers,50 has an FDA box warning for foetal toxicity: common adverse effects are neutropenia and leukopenia.51
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand blockers
Denosumab, is a human monoclonal antibody which targets the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and blocks it, inhibiting osteoclast growth and action – resulting in reduced bone resorption and increasing bone density (Fig. 4).52 Denosumab is used to prevent osteoporosis but severe adverse events include skin exanthemas and infections, decreased physiological bone turnover and jaw osteonecrosis (see below).53
Interferons
Interferons are cytokines produced by immune cells and fibroblasts and are part of the nonspecific immune response. Interferon alpha is produced naturally by leucocytes. Interferon-beta is produced by fibroblasts. Interferon-gamma is produced by T cells and NK cells.54 Interferons are used for various therapeutic purposes such as in treatment of hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis and mastocytosis.55,56,57 Recombinant products of interferons may have adverse effects such as flu-like symptoms and psychiatric disorders, while they may also trigger immunologic phenomena.58
Anti-microbial agents
Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody that neutralises and exerts fusion-inhibitory activity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).59 It is indicated for premature infants and is administered during the months of high prevalence of RVS. Raxibacumab is a recombinant, fully human, IgG1λ monoclonal antibody targeting B. anthracis protective antigen and may prevent deadly outcome of anthrax in animal studies.60
Vaccines
Human papillomavirus (HPV) recombinant vaccines are 93% effective in preventing cervical pre-cancers associated with HPV 16 and 18. Currently available for women the guidelines may extend its use soon in men.61,62
An autologous CD54 + dendritic cell vaccine Sipuleucel-T directed against Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP), is the first immuno-modulating agent approved for the treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer.63
Administration of biologicals
The vast majority of biological agents must be injected regularly, but administration regimens differ. Infliximab and rituximab for example, must be given as periodic intravenous infusions, while etanercept, adalimumab and ustekinumab are given as regular subcutaneous injections (bi-weekly, weekly, every two weeks or monthly), with schedules varying with the condition being treated.7,8,20
Biologic uses in oral healthcare
The use of biologics in both licenced and off-label circumstances is rapidly evolving, with new efficacy and safety data frequently being reported. Biologics are also increasingly used in oral disease, especially when there is systemic involvement.6,7,8,64 The use of biologicals in the management of inflammatory oral mucosal disease is off-label and should involve medically qualified specialists, or physicians as these agents are systemic with strict precautions indicated.6,7,8 Despite a recent suggestion that topical use of these agents in oral disease may be one strategy that could be developed further, BAs are by definition systemic and cannot be absorbed locally to any extent since they are large molecules and not absorbed, or would likely be broken down by the gastrointestinal tract.
Ulcerative disorders
BAs are used mainly in patients with Behcet disease (BD), severe aphthous ulceration, and in vesiculobullous disease (including pemphigus and pemphigoid), and lichen planus with severe, or recalcitrant or multi-site lesions.6,8
Patients with oral ulcers as a component of BD have shown positive responses to TNF-α inhibitors, including infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab.65 Patients with RAS have been shown to respond to TNF-α inhibition with etanercept or adalimumab.66,67
Treatment-resistant autoimmune blistering skin disorders with oral involvement, such as pemphigoid and pemphigus, have responded to rituximab although significant adverse effects of rituximab therapy were reported in many of these, and similar, case-series suggesting great caution be attached to their clinical use in these mucocutaneous diseases.68 With the recognised safety concerns there would seem to be no place for rituximab for oral lesions alone. Etanercept has been effective in managing oral mucosal pemphigoid.69
Severe lichen planus (LP) has responded to alefacept and to TNF-α blockade with etanercept and adalimumab.70,71 However, LP-like eruptions are also an emerging adverse effect of TNF-α inhibitors.72
Crohn's disease and OroFacial Granulomatosis (OFG)
TNF-α inhibitors infliximab and adalimumab are increasingly used in Crohn's disease.73 Biologics may also help patients with extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease, including oral Crohn's disease and related disorders like orofacial granulomatosis74 (OFG), and allied conditions such as Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) and a more limited granulomatous cheilitis (described by some as a monosymptomatic form of MRS) have been reported.75 Unfortunately, not all cases of OFG with Crohn's disease (or previous intestinal disease) are responsive to infliximab. Overall, the data suggest that TNF-α inhibitors may have some role in the management of oral manifestations of Crohn's disease and similar disorders such as OFG and MRS, but while use of TNF-α inhibition in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease is considered safe, adverse effects are well recognised and include infusion reactions, infection, and increased risk of malignancy.7,8
Sjögren's syndrome
The efficacy of BAs in RA stimulated studies of their use in other autoimmune conditions, including primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Initial studies of TNF-α blockers in patients with SS showed promise but subsequent RCTs could not support the potential benefit for infliximab and confirmed a lack of benefit of etanercept.76 Since B-cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of SS, as seen in the array of autoantibody production, (ANA, anti-SS-A/SS-B etc), hypergammaglobulinaemia, B-cell infiltration of salivary and extrasalivary tissue, and the association with B-cell MALT lymphomas and anti-B cell monoclonals have been further studied.
Rituximab however, has produced some improved SS symptoms (xerostomia etc) and increased salivary gland function and MALT has remitted in some patients.77 There appears to be a clinical benefit from rituximab in systemic extraglandular complications of SS (fatigue, cryoglobulinaemia, pulmonary disease, polysynovitis, arthralgia and peripheral neuropathy), but little benefit in longer term improvements in SS symptoms or in salivary flow.78
Cancers
Some biologics are used in oral cancer therapy (Table 1). Biologics against angiogenesis such as VEGF inhibitors such as bevacizumab and others against epidermal growth factor receptors (anti-EGFR) agents are prime examples now in clinical use.79 Anti-EGFRs such as cetuximab have significantly improved oral cancer patients survival.80
Other impacts of biological agents on oral healthcare
Some of the BAs are now in common use and dental professionals are likely to treat many patients under such treatment. The most popular category is that of immune modulating agents. There are no official guidelines concerning patients on immune-modulating BAs who are scheduled for invasive dental procedures.7,8,9
Communication with the physician who monitors their treatment is mandatory, to agree the best approach. In general, any dental treatment that may cause bacteraemia should be scheduled before the beginning of therapy.
The commonly used medications such as amoxicillin and paracetamol, and local anaesthetics appear to have no interactions with any of the agents listed in Table 1. Of note it is not yet clear how most of these agents are metabolised and if they interfere with common CYP enzyme pathway that metabolises most drugs.
It would seem advisable to treat such patients on BAs with caution since BAs may predispose to infections, bleeding, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and impaired wound healing.
Infections
Extra precautions should be taken to deal with extremely urgent dental infections for example, in post-transplant patients during induction therapy, as multiple agents that suppress the immune system are administered including the anti-IL2 or the anti-CD3 agents. It is advisable that all transplant patients should be examined by dentists and any teeth that could possibly cause infections should be removed before transplant surgery.64 In case that any oral infection occurs in the induction phase it is advisable to be treated conservatively and with the advice of the transplantologist.
Bleeding tendency
The possibility of a bleeding tendency should be considered but to our knowledge there is only one patient reported who developed oral (gingival) bleeding due to abciximab related thrombocytopenia, and her condition improved after platelet concentrate transfusion.81
Jaw osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is a particular issue following invasive dental or oral surgery, since many such procedures impact on bone. Bisphosphonates (BPs), denosumab, bevacizumab, sorafenib and sunitinib are among the drugs used in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are potent inhibitors of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, which is increased when cancers invade bone. BPs are an established treatment for cancer spread to bone, and effectively reduce pain and other skeletal-related events. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody with high affinity and specificity for RANKL, a cytokine that is the main final mediator of osteoclastic bone resorption. Bevacizumab, sorafenib and sunitinib are angiogenesis inhibitors that block various steps in the binding of signalling molecules, such as VEGF.82 The risk of ONJ is about 1% for cancer patients receiving intravenous BPs (zolendronate), and there is a comparable figure for cancer patients exposed to denosumab while the risk for patients on VEGF inhibitors is lower (for example, 0.2% with bevacizumab).83,84 There appears to be an increased risk in those patients combining anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic therapy – ONJ may be as frequent as 10% in those on combined BP and sunitinib therapy.85
For patients with exposure to the above agents and in whom surgical intervention is required, cessation or interruption of anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medication (a drug-holiday) has been advocated to minimise the risk of developing ONJ. However, robust data on the effectiveness of drug holidays are lacking and this has been a controversial topic. A recent American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons position paper now suggests that 'for those who have been exposed to more than four years of oral BPs therapy and whom a surgical intervention is planned, a drug-holiday of about two months before surgery and three months following surgery be undertaken to reduce the risk of ONJ'.86 This paper makes no recommendation for patients on other agents but we suggest, based on the pharmacology of denosumab, that a drug interruption of six months would possibly reduce the risk of some MRONJ.
Impaired wound healing
For VEGF inhibitors, the recommendations in the medical literature (which are adopted by surgical oncologists and plastic surgeons, to minimise wound healing impairment), might be used as a guide: bevacizumab has a median half-life of about 20 days (range 11–50 days) and on this basis a six to eight week interruption of bevacizumab treatment before surgery and four weeks after surgery, has been advocated to lower the risk of wound complications.87
Conclusions and future prospects
It is evident that biologically engineered agents are providing a new range of therapeutic solutions and may resolve several dead ends such as the antibiotic resistance and the absence of a wide range of antiviral agents. In addition, more than 900 new agents that are manufactured using biological processes are under development,88 a fact that underlies the interest of the pharmaceutical industry for this category of agents. It is therefore necessary to be aware of the progress in the biological drugs, because they will be administered more and more to our patients. The antagonising field for biologics is the newly formed class of targeted small molecules like tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor which is an oral small molecule that acts inside the cell and is approved for rheumatoid arthritis by the FDA.89 The field of targeted drug therapies is yet to offer many solutions and change the traditional therapeutics.
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Georgakopoulou, E., Scully, C. Biological agents: what they are, how they affect oral health and how they can modulate oral healthcare. Br Dent J 218, 671–677 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.439
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.439
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