Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that has a major role in inflammatory diseases. The results of two recently published clinical trials that used different study designs demonstrated that tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the binding of IL-6 to its receptor, improved the clinical and biological signs of disease activity in both rheumatoid arthritis and systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Adverse events included a higher risk of infections, transient elevation of liver aminotransferases, higher cholesterol levels, and a few allergic reactions. Future studies should investigate the long-term efficacy (clinical and structural) and safety of tocilizumab, including its effect on lipid levels.
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The author has received speakers' honoraria, been a consultant for and received grant/research support from Abbott, Roche and Wyeth.
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Gabay, C. Is tocilizumab a good therapeutic option for RA and systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis?. Nat Rev Rheumatol 4, 572–573 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncprheum0900
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncprheum0900
