An interesting question actually. Humira is one of many modern biologic drugs made using recombinant DNA technology (inserting human DNA material) using animals that have proven to be wonder drugs for many serious diseases like cancer and RA. The most common source (about 70% of all recombinant DNA drugs, in fact) is expressed from Chinese Hamster ovaries of all things. I know that is the case for Enbrel (another common TNF blocker) and probably Humira as well. Since it is manufactured by a biologic process rather than a chemical one, I suspect this has as much a bearing on the tremendous cost of these new drugs as does the monopolistic patent process.

In the case of a number of RA drugs, including the above two, they have been found to bind with something called TNF (tumor necrosis factor) which is involved with immune system response. The biochemistry is beyond me but essentially what it does is inhibit the overactive immune system of RA patients. Some other RA biologic drugs such as Orencia have a similar effect but act on different aspects of the immune system than TNF and may be more or less effective in some people. Humira was one of the first biologics approved for RA back in 2002 and I believe now has a generic/"bio-similar" version approved last year.

Don't necessarily expect to be prescribed Humira. There are many newer biologics now available to treat RA. Hope that's not too much information.

Humira is, I think a biologic. I was involved in a 1 year drug study last year that was Humira or Brand X and it helped. I m up to 7 Mtx and was having breakthrough flares and it has helped. After the study ended I chose to go onto Humira, something I was scared to death to do for 4 years, but wow it helps. I blanched at the co-pay, it was going to be $1,184. per month which we cannot afford reached out to the drug company and got it covered 100%. The only downside thus far has been the upper respiratory infections that are hard to get rid of. I must add I have 4 grandkids in and out all of the time but you get more susceptible to infections. Hope this helps you. Trish

Scoates, you can do what I did and call the Rheumy's office every morning in case of a cancellation. That got me in a full month prior to the original appointment.

Just my experience, Humira did help me but not without the MTX in conjunction. Humira for me caused no bad side effects (anxiety did increase for two-three days after injection). MTX is just poison....but it helps the Humira. If you'll google Humira and look up the rates of effectiveness when couple with MTX there's a significant increase.

I've been on Humira with 7.5 mg MTX for 6 years. Wonderful! It's a synergystic effect between the two.