66888, Journal Article.pdf (2.91 MB)
Tocilizumab: a review of its safety and efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 04:30 authored by Graeme JonesGraeme Jones, Chang-Hai DingChang-Hai DingRecent years have seen many exciting developments in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a monoclonal antibody which inhibits the interleukin-6 receptor. After initial studies in Japan, it has been extensively studied in five multicentre clinical trials. This report summarises the key efficacy and toxicity findings from the major clinical trials. TCZ works quickly and effectively in rheumatoid arthritis either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents in early disease, DMARD inadequate responders, seronegative disease and after anti-TNF failure. The toxicity profile is manageable but includes infections (most notably skin and soft tissue), increases in serum cholesterol, transient decreases in neutrophil count and abnormal liver function tests (especially in combination with methotrexate). In summary, there is sufficient evidence to make TCZ a first line biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis especially for those who are unable to take methotrexate or who fail anti-TNF therapy.
History
Publication title
Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal DisordersVolume
2010Pagination
81-89ISSN
1179-5441Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Libertas Academica Ltd.Place of publication
New ZealandRights statement
This article is available from http://www.la-press.com Copyright © the author(s), publisher and licensee Libertas Academica Ltd. This is an open access article. Unrestricted non-commercial use is permitted provided the original work is properly cited.Repository Status
- Open