Sarilumab (Kevzara™) is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to both soluble and membrane-bound interleukin (IL)-6 receptors (sIL-6Rα and mIL-6Rα) and thereby inhibits IL-6-mediated signalling through these receptors. Subcutaneous sarilumab is approved in Canada for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more biological or non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. It is under regulatory review for use in rheumatoid arthritis in other countries, including in the EU, USA and Japan. Sarilumab is also under phase II investigation for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of sarilumab leading to its first global approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.