The effects of a monoclonal antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor-alpha in asthma.

Rationale: Neutralization of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an effective antiinflammatory therapy for several chronic inflammatory diseases.

Methods And Objectives: We undertook a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design study in 38 patients with moderate asthma treated with inhaled corticosteroids but symptomatic during a run-in phase. Infliximab (5 mg/kg) or placebo was administered by intravenous infusion at Weeks 0, 2, and 6.