2. Academic Validation
  3. Sirukumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: update on sirukumab, 2018

Sirukumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: update on sirukumab, 2018

  • Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2018 Jul;14(7):539-547. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2018.1487291.
Francesca Bartoli 1,  Sangmee Bae 2,  Laura Cometi 1,  Marco Matucci Cerinic 1,  Daniel E Furst 3 4 5 6 7
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 a Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , University of Florence & Department of Geriatric Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, AOUC , Florence , Italy.
  • 2 b Division of Rheumatology Fellow , Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California, USA.
  • 3 c Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles (Emeritus), California, USA.
  • 4 d Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , University of Florence , Florence , Italy.
  • 5 e University of Washington , Seattle , Washington DC , USA.
  • 6 f Pacific Arthritis , Los Angeles , California , USA.
  • 7 g Seattle Rheumatology Associates , Seattle , Washington, DC, USA.
PMID: 29925278 DOI: 10.1080/1744666X.2018.1487291
Abstract

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is well-known for its pro-inflammatory properties, has been proven to target a wide range of cells in the joint, and has been implicated in extra-articular and articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tocilizumab (TCZ) is now widely used in patients with active RA and a number of additional agents that target the IL-6 pathways are under development, including sirukumab (SRK). Areas covered: SRK is an IgG1κ human anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody which binds to IL-6 and prevents IL-6-mediated downstream effects. Initial trial results in phase-III studies in patients with RA seemed promising, showing improved results in patients with moderate-to-severe RA. Data derive from the phase-II study and the various SIRROUND studies (phase III). Expert commentary: The available data show that SRK50 mg every 4 weeks or 100 mg every 2 weeks will be effective in treating the RA population, with clinical improvements as early as week 2 and sustained over time. The adverse-event profile seems to be similar to TCZ, except for an increased mortality post open-label studies due to infections and cardiovascular events, our knowledge of which will be deepened with post-marketing surveillance and registry data.

Keywords

Irukumab; biologics; interleukin 6 inhibitor; rheumatoid arthritis; tocilizumab.

Figures
Products