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Current Pharmaceutical Design

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1381-6128
ISSN (Online): 1873-4286

Interleukin-6 In Rheumatoid Arthritis - From The Laboratory To The Bedside

Author(s): Xiao Liu, Andrew J. Teichtahl and Ian P. Wicks

Volume 21, Issue 17, 2015

Page: [2187 - 2197] Pages: 11

DOI: 10.2174/1381612821666150310143332

Price: $65

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Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common and debilitating disease. Expanded therapeutic options, targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), have revolutionised RA treatment. To date, efficacy data shows superiority of IL-6 inhibition over placebo, conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate, and TNF inhibition. Moreover, while demonstrating some key differences in the safety profile compared with TNF inhibition (e.g. hyperlipidemia and neutropenia), these safety concerns have not, at least to date, been found to cause clinically significant adverse outcomes. Other safety parameters, such as infection and malignancy rates have been found to be comparable between IL-6 and TNF inhibition. This review explores the biology and clinical applications of IL-6 inhibition in the management of RA.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, interleukin-6, treatment, inflammation.


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