The clinical efficacy of tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is based on the greater understanding of the role this cytokine can play in various aspects of the immunopathphysiology of RA. Recently, theory has been put into practice with the assessment of IL-6 inhibitors in clinical trials. The largest amount of data to date comes from trials of the humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab. Studies worldwide have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of this agent in patients with RA.
The Center for Innovative Therapy, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, Immunology, The University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0943, USA.
Maja
M
Mircic
Arthur
A
Kavanaugh
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6; C502936:tocilizumab