Dataset Information
Tocilizumab is safe and tolerable and reduces C-reactive protein concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Introduction/aims
We tested safety, tolerability, and target engagement of tocilizumab in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.Methods
Twenty-two participants, whose peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profile reflected high messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of inflammatory markers, were randomized 2:1 to three tocilizumab or placebo treatments (weeks 0, 4, and 8; 8 mg/kg intravenous). Participants were followed every 4 wk in a double-blind fashion for 16 wk and assessed for safety, tolerability, plasma inflammatory markers, and clinical measures. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at baseline and after the third treatment. Participants were genotyped for Asp358 Ala polymorphism of the interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) gene.Results
Baseline characteristics, safety, and tolerability were similar between treatment groups. One serious adverse event was reported in the placebo group; no deaths occurred. Mean plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) level decreased by 88% in the tocilizumab group and increased by 4% in the placebo group (-3.0-fold relative change, P < .001). CSF CRP reduction (-1.8-fold relative change, P = .01) was associated with IL-6R C allele count. No differences in PBMC gene expression or clinical measures were observed between groups.Discussion
Tocilizumab treatment was safe and well tolerated. PBMC gene expression profile was inadequate as a predictive or pharmacodynamic biomarker. Treatment reduced CRP levels in plasma and CSF, with CSF effects potentially dependent on IL-6R Asp358 Ala genotype. IL-6 trans-signaling may mediate a distinct central nervous system response in individuals inheriting the IL-6R C allele. These results warrant further study in ALS patients where IL-6R genotype and CRP levels may be useful enrichment biomarkers.
SUBMITTER: Milligan C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9132344 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Tocilizumab is safe and tolerable and reduces C-reactive protein concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients.
Muscle & nerve 20210624 3
<h4>Introduction/aims</h4>We tested safety, tolerability, and target engagement of tocilizumab in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.<h4>Methods</h4>Twenty-two participants, whose peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profile reflected high messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of inflammatory markers, were randomized 2:1 to three tocilizumab or placebo treatments (weeks 0, 4, and 8; 8 mg/kg intravenous). Participants were followed every 4 wk in a double-blind ...[more]
