A drug for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who are not responding to or have an intolerance to one or more disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD).
Trade name Kevzara.
A human monoclonal antibody that has been shown to inhibit interleukin-6 receptor mediated signaling by binding to the receptor, which is associated with rheumatoid arthritis inflammation.
Can be used alone or in combination with other DMARD, and is recommended to be administered as a subcutaneous injection at a dose of 200 mg once every 2 weeks, which can be self-administered.
If necessary, the dosage can be reduced from 200 mg to 150 mg every 2 weeks to manage certain laboratory abnormalities, such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and liver enzymes.
Efficacy demonstrated in 2 phase 3 clinical trials, the MOBILITY STUDY and TARGET study, patients who received Kevzara with a DMARD experienced improvement in signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis based on the American College of Rheumatology Criteria, greater improvement in baseline physical function, and less radiographic progression of structural damage.
Common adverse reactions to Kevzara included neutropenia, increased alanine aminotransferase, injection site erythema, upper respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.
Can increase the risk for serious infections that can result in hospitalization and death.
This drug shows significant efficacy in achieving sustained remission, and reducing the cumulative glucocorticoid dose in patients with a relapse of polymyalgia rheumatica during glucocorticoid tapering.