Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease in the course of which we observe diminution of range of motion of the spine and invalidity. Randomized controlled trials and prolonged open label studies have confirmed the efficacy and safety of a new group of drugs in treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. By means of a variety of mechanisms, TNF inhibitors reduce activity of one of the proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α. This article presents a systematic review of published trials, the results of which prove the superiority of adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab over traditional methods of treatment. Introduction of TNF blockers represents a major advance in therapy of ankylosing spondylitis.