Interleukin-6 inhibition in contemporary rheumatology: from pathogenesis to biosimilar therapy
Authors:
M. Olejárová
Authors‘ workplace:
Revmatologický ústav, Revmatologická klinika 1. LF UK, Praha
Published in:
Čes. Revmatol., 33, 2025, No. 4, p. 153-160.
Category:
Úvodník
Overview
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the key cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Among its many functions, IL-6 is responsible for the transition from acute inflammation to chronic systemic inflammation and contributes to systemic manifestations such as anemia, sarcopenia, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, is an established therapeutic agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and Still’s disease. More recently, it has also been recommended for the treatment of giant cell arteritis and systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease, while accumulating evidence also supports its use in polymyalgia rheumatica.
Avtozma (CT-P47) is a biosimilar tocilizumab with comparable efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to reference tocilizumab. In the Czech Republic, Avtozma is indicated and reimbursed for the treatment of RA and JIA.
The article also discusses practical aspects of implementing biosimilar IL-6 receptor inhibitors in clinical practice and outlines future perspectives for the development of personalized therapies targeting IL-6 signaling.
retention.
Keywords:
interstitial lung disease – systemic sclerosis – rheumatoid arthritis – giant cell arteritis – tocilizumab – biosimilars – juvenile idiopathic arthritis – IL-6 inhibition
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Labels
Dermatology & STDs Paediatric rheumatology RheumatologyArticle was published in
Czech Rheumatology
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