Anti-IL-6 Monoclonal Antibody (MRA) Proves Efficacious for the Treatment of RA

The inflammatory cytokine IL-6 plays an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of RA. Its central role makes it an attractive potential target for inhibition in the treatment of RA and other inflammatory rheumatic disorders. MRA, a humanized monoclonal antibody that functions as a non-signaling decoy IL-6 receptor, has been shown to be well tolerated in several small safety and dose-finding trials. Here, Nishimoto et al (Arthritis Rheum 2004; 50(6): 1761) investigate the efficacy and safety of MRA in RA in the largest trial to date. These results were previously reported at the 2002 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting. (see results)