Use of tnf-alpha inhibitors for treating a nerve disorder mediated by nucleus pulposus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of nerve disorders comprising administration of a therapeutically effective dosage of at least two substances selected from the group consisting of TNF inhibitors, IL-1 inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, IL-8 inhibitors, FAS inhibitors, FAS ligand inhibitors, and IFN-gamma inhibitors. Preferably, at least one of the substances is a TNF inhibitor.

1 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for inhibiting the action of TNF-α for treating nerve disorders in a mammal by administering a TNF-α inhibitor comprising the step of:
 (A) administering a therapeutically effective dosage to said mammal of said TNF-α inhibitor wherein said TNF-α inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of (i) a soluble cytokine receptor that blocks TNF-α, (ii) a monoclonal antibody that blocks TNF-α, and (iii) a tetracycline or a chemically modified tetracycline that blocks TNF-α, which when administered to said mammal inhibits nerve injury, wherein said nerve disorder is nucleus pulposus-induced nerve injury, and wherein said TNF-α inhibitor is administered systemically or locally.