Treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis by anti-interleukin 6 monoclonal antibody.
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) appears to be a potential mediator of inflammation that may contribute to the pathogenesis of joint inflammation in RA. Anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies (Mab) may represent a new tool in RA treatment. Five patients with RA, after previous anti-CD4 therapy (B-F5) without antimouse immunization were included in our open pilot study. The anti-IL-6 Mab (B-E8, IgG1) was given intravenously (10 mg/day) for 10 consecutive days in hospital. No side effects were noted. Clinical and biological (C-reactive protein) improvement appeared during the treatment period. However improvement was transitory (mean: 2 months). Unexpectedly serum IL-6 levels increased in 4 patients with this treatment that seemed to have antiinflammatory effects. Further studies are required to evaluate the real benefit and the mode of action of this Mab.
Wendling
D
D
Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Jean Minjoz, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Besancon, France.
Racadot
E
E
Wijdenes
J
J
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D001799:Blood Sedimentation / Q000187:drug effects; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein