Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most frequent type of vasculitis, occurring in people older than 50 years. So far, treatment has been limited to corticosteroids and methotrexate only. Areas covered: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a role in the pathophysiology of GCA. This review covers recent advances in the treatment of GCA with tocilizumab (TCZ), which specifically binds to both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6R and inhibits IL-6R-mediated signaling. Expert commentary: Two randomized controlled trials recently showed the efficacy of the IL-6 receptors inhibitor monoclonal antibody TCZ for the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with new-onset and relapsing GCA. Furthermore, addition of TCZ to prednisone led to a reduction in the cumulative prednisone doses required to control GCA. The profile of adverse events was balanced across treatment groups and no safety concerns were raised during the trial.
Keywords: Giant cell arteritis; biological disease-modifying anti rheumatic drug; interleukin-6; interleukin-6 receptor; large vessel arteritis; tocilizumab.