Sarilumab, a new interleukin-6 receptor blocker: pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, and safety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Sarilumab is a new interleukin-6 receptor blocker that can be used in combination with methrotrexate or as monotherapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In double-blind, randomized clinical trial (MOBILITY), treatment with sarilumab and methotrexate in RA patients with a prior inadequate response to methotrexate improved the clinical signs and symptoms of RA, physical function of patients, and inhibited the progression of joint damage compared to placebo and methotrexate. The TARGET clinical study established the clinical efficacy of sarilumab with methotrexate in RA patients who had experienced an inadequate response to, or intolerance of, TNF inhibitors. In MONARCH study, sarilumab was more effective than adalimumab in improving RA signs and symptoms and physical function over 24 weeks in patients with RA considered inappropriate for continued treatment with methotrexate. Safety profile of sarilumab was consistent with that of interleukin-6 pathway inhibitor.

Key words

Sarilumab, interleukin-6, rheumatoid arthritis, treatment.