IL-6 Inhibition Makes News Save

Several new interleukin-6 inhibitors made headlines this week. While none of the new IL-6 inhibitors are soon to be approved and available, these studies may redefine the role of other non-TNF biologics in the future.

Last week we reported the press release early findings of the MONARCH study that tested the effects of monotherapy with sarilumab (a new IL-6 inhibitor in developement) compared to adalimumab given every 2 weeks.  These results were similar to the ADACTA trial, wherein the IL-6 inhibitor was superior to adalimumab after 24 weeks of therapy (72 vs 58%). However a higher than expected degree of neutropenia was observed (14% vs 1%).  Citation source: https://t.co/4eG16hLsom

Another IL-6 inhibitor, gerilimzumab, with a very long half-life (~50 days) is also being studied in volunteers and ultimately, patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Given the very long half-life the company projects that the costs of such therapy may be as low as $2,000 per patient, per year.