Abstract
The development of new biotechnologies in recent decades has enabled research and development of new biological drugs in the form of monoclonal antibodies directed at key molecules involved in the development and persistence of chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is involved in the processes of cellular and humoral immunity, resulting in the production of acute phase proteins expressed in systemic inflammatory response in RA.
Inhibition of IL-6 has become a successful therapeutic target already established in RA therapy via tocilizumab. This success has allowed for the development of other monoclonal antibodies affecting IL-6, either by binding to IL-6 (sirukumab, olokizumab, clazakizumab) or its receptor (sarilumab).
Sarilumab demonstrated its effect and a relatively good safety profile in phase I, II and III studies in cohorts of RA patients. Phase III studies focused on different populations of RA patients divided by prior therapy, and a comparative trial against adalimumab in the monotorax was performed which demonstrated a higher efficacy of sarilumab against adalimumab in monotherapy.
This work deals with a summary of the findings on the efficacy and safety of sarilumab according to Phase III clinical trials.