The prospects of interleukin-6 inhibition in rheumatoid arthritis: Olokizumab (novel monoclonal antibodies to IL-6)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs) manifested with progressive destruction of joints, systemic inflammation visceral organs and wide range co-morbidities associated inflammation. Among the cytokines involved in pathogenesis RA certain other IMRDs, role interleukin (IL) 6 special interest. The introduction mAbs tocilizumab (TCZ) later sarilumab (SAR), both blocking receptor this cytokine, into clinical practice was an important achievement treatment IIRDs at beginning 21st century. As novel approach RA, humanized mAb against IL-6 olokizumab (OKZ) development by Russian company R-PHARM under license agreement UCB Pharma. review examines new data on efficacy safety OKZ prospects its use rheumatology