Update of sarilumb to treat rheumatoid arthritis based on randomized clinical trials: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Sarilumab is a human monoclonal antibody against Interleukin 6 α (IL-6α) receptor. Compared to tocilizumab, another IL-6 α receptor antibody, sarilumab has a different structure and higher affinity.

Areas covered: In a systematic literature review, we examined all sarilumab randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in rheumatoid arthritis. The 6 reviewed RCTs included patients who were inadequate MTX, DMARD and/or TNFi responders. Sarilumab 150–200 mg every 2 weeks improved RA signs, symptoms, function and decreased radiological progression up to 52 weeks. The most common adverse events were infections and neutropenia, the latter of which will require careful observation in future trials.

Examination of the effect of sero-positivity, disease duration, presence of erosions, use of previous biologic and comparisons to other biologics etc are still needed to complete understanding of this drug’s profile. Long term studies, too, will be needed to assess long term tolerability

Expert commentary: Results support the use of sarilumab to treat RA patients with inadequate response to MTX, other DMARDs and TNFis, although further studies are needed to fully assess its toxicity and understand the specific place of sarilumab in the RA armamentarium.

KEYWORDS:

• IL-6
• randomized clinical trials
• rheumatoid arthritis
• Sarilumab

Declaration of interest

DE Furst has received grant/research support from AbbVie, Actelion, Amgen, BMS, Gilead, GSK, NIH, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche/Genentech, and UCB and is a consultant for AbbVie, Actelion, Amgen, BMS, Cytori, Janssen, Gilead, GSK, NIH, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche/Genentech, and UCB; he is also on the speaker’s bureau (CME only) for AbbVie, Actelion, and UCB. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This article was not funded.