Blocking the effects of interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases: systematic literature review and meta-analysis informing a consensus statement.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Suppression of the immunoinflammatory cascade by targeting interleukin 6 (IL-6) mediated effects constitutes a therapeutic option for chronic inflammatory diseases. Tocilizumab is the only IL-6 inhibitor (IL-6i) licensed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but also other agents targeting either IL-6 or its receptor are investigated in various indications.

Objective

To review published evidence on safety and efficacy of IL-6i in inflammatory diseases.

Methods

We performed systematic literature searches in Medline and Cochrane, screened EULAR and American College of Rheumatology meeting-abstracts, and accessed http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Results

Comprehensive evidence supports the efficacy of tocilizumab in RA in D

SUBMITTER: Schoels MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3595140 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature