Anakinra: a review of its use in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Anakinra (Kineret) is the first biologic drug that has been developed specifically as an interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (Ra) and is derived from an endogenous IL-1Ra. The drug blocks the activity of IL-1 in synovial joints, reducing the inflammatory and joint destructive processes associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In randomized, placebo-controlled trials of up to 52 weeks' duration, anakinra has shown efficacy both as monotherapy and in combination with other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in adults with RA. It is subcutaneously administered and is generally well tolerated. Anakinra offers a useful addition to the range of drugs available for the treatment of RA.
Adis International Inc., Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067, USA. demail@adis.com
John
J
Waugh
Caroline M
CM
Perry
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; C507763:IL1RN protein, human; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins