Interleukin-6 inhibition for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A review of tocilizumab therapy

Abstract

The dawn of the biologic era has been an exciting period for clinical research and patient care in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Targeted biologic therapies have changed the outcome of this disease and made remission a realistic outcome for many patients. Tocilizumab (TCZ, Actemra^®), is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin 6 receptor and has been approved in many countries for the treatment of moderate to severe RA. There have been a number of important clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of TCZ in active rheumatoid arthritis. This review summarizes the data on efficacy, patient-reported outcomes, adverse events, and safety from some of these trials. Current trends in clinical practice will be discussed. It is difficult to place TCZ and many new medications in the algorithm of treatment at present. However, the next few years will hopefully reveal their role as we better define abnormal immune processes in individuals with RA.

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease, with complex genetic and environmental factors acting together to cause inflammation and damage. This primarily occurs in the synovium and joint tissues, with typical clinical features being swollen painful joints and stiffness. Important extra-articular features include lung and cardiovascular disease. There is other organ involvement, and manifestations include anemia, fatigue, skin nodules, neuropathy, ocular disease, splenomegaly, vasculitis, and pleuropericarditis.1,2 There is a prevalence range of 0.5%–1.0% in many populations, with women being affected up to three times as often as men. The annual incidence of RA has been shown to be about 30 per 100,000. Peak onset of the disease is at 30–55 years, but it can occur at any age.2,3

To prevent joint damage, disability, economic loss, and mortality, clinicians prefer aggressive therapy, with a common goal of remission. Despite the widespread use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents in various combinations, some patients still have persistently active disease. Although there are various guidelines for treatment,4–6 each patient is managed individually, based on disease activity, prognostic signs, and functional impairment. There is a strong recommendation to use a biologic agent only after failure of nonbiologic DMARDs, unless high disease activity is present with poor prognostic signs.5,6 There are no consensus guidelines on which biologic agents to use after failure of a DMARD. However, there are trends in practice that are influenced by previous experience, tolerability, drug availability, and cost or insurance issues.

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by multiple cell types, but of importance in RA, it induces osteoclast differentiation and can be responsible for joint destruction. Increased serum and synovial fluid levels of IL-6 are correlated with RA disease activity.7,8

DMARDS available

Methotrexate (MTX) is the dominant small-molecule or nonbiologic DMARD,9 and is usually used as monotherapy or in combination with other DMARDs as a first-line agent in RA. There are guidelines in the UK4 that support combination DMARDs (MTX and at least one other DMARD) as first-line therapy; however, others feel that there is no significant advantage to this approach.10,11 DMARDS that are used alone or as combination therapy with or without MTX include leflunomide, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine. Gold agents, azathioprine, and cyclosporine are rarely used anymore. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, as well as corticosteroids, are used in conjunction with DMARDs. Low-dose long-term corticosteroids are effective in some patients.12,13 Individuals with persistently active disease after a single DMARD or a combination of DMARDs are given a biologic agent. Some individuals with moderate to severe disease are given a combination of DMARD (such as MTX) plus a biologic agent as first-line therapy. MTX as monotherapy or in combination with small-molecule DMARDs has been shown to be effective as initial treatment, demonstrating a good outcome without the need for biologic therapy in some patients.14–16 The cost-effectiveness of biologics as first-line therapy is not as high as for conventional DMARDs as first-line therapy.17

In addition to the DMARDs discussed above, there are nine biologic therapies approved for RA in the US18 and Europe.19 Etanercept is an IgG fusion protein produced through the recombinant soluble p75 receptor for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Infliximab is a mouse-human monoclonal antibody against TNF-α. Adalimumab is a fully human TNF-α monoclonal antibody. Many trials have shown the effectiveness of these three biologics that were the first to be approved for RA.14,15,20–26 When one of these agents fails or has to be discontinued, the choice of second-line biologic is up to the clinician, because it has been seen that efficacy varies on an individual basis.27 Data show that there is a high rate of continuation of the second agent when switching from one TNF-α inhibitor to another.28,29

There are newer therapies available that are used after the initial biologic fails due to persistently active disease, or at times these may even be used as the initial biologic. Certolizumab pegol, a PEGylated Fab’ fragment on a humanized monoclonal TNF-α inhibitor antibody, was recently approved and is effective in moderate to severe RA.30–32 Golimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against TNF-α, can be administered monthly.33 Abatacept, a fusion protein (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 fused to immunoglobulin) inhibits the costimulation of T cells successfully in patients refractory to DMARDs and other biologics.34–36 Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody to CD20, depletes B lymphocytes and is used in a variety of inflammatory disorders, including RA.37 Anakinra is an IL-1 antagonist approved for RA and is given as a daily injection, so is less convenient and has a higher risk of injection site reactions than the TNF-α inhibitors.38,39

Despite the currently available therapies, there are patients who do not respond to DMARDs and biologics, or encounter problems with adverse effects and tolerance. For this reason, there is a continued demand for new therapies. Some that are currently in development and at the trial stages are agents targeting IL-1, cytokines from the TNF superfamily, IL-15, IL-17, B lymphocytes, IL-12/IL-23, SyK kinase, JAK3 kinase, and inhibitors of osteoclastogenesis.40–51

Chemistry and mechanism of action

Tocilizumab (TCZ) has a molecular weight of about 148 kDa and is a recombinant humanized antihuman IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody of the IgG1κ subclass with a typical H₂ L₂ polypeptide structure. The four polypeptide chains are linked intra- and intermolecularly by disulfide bonds; heavy chains consist of 448 amino acids and light chains consist of 214 amino acids.52

IL-6 is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine produced by synovial and endothelial cells, so is produced in areas affected by inflammation. It is produced by T cells, B cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and fibroblasts, and has a role in T cell activation and immunoglobulin secretion. IL-6 is involved in hepatic acute-phase protein synthesis and stimulation of hematopoietic precursor cell proliferation and differentiation. IL-6 signal transduction is mediated by membrane-bound and soluble IL-6 receptors. TCZ binds to both of these receptors and inhibits signaling via this route.52,53

Pharmacodynamics

Studies of TCZ 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg have shown increased rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A, as well as increased hemoglobin. Greater changes were observed with 8 mg/kg. Healthy individuals given TCZ (2–28 mg/kg) showed a decrease in absolute neutrophil counts (nadir 3–5 days). RA patients followed a similar pattern.52

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism

A population analysis of 1793 RA patients treated with TCZ (4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg every four weeks for 24 weeks) was used to determine pharmacokinetics, which are similar between healthy individuals and RA patients. Age, gender, and race did not affect the pharmacokinetics of TCZ.52

Clearance was 0.29 ± 0.10 mL/h/kg with the mean apparent terminal half-life being 152 ± 59 hours after a single 10 mg/kg dose. Clearance decreased with increasing doses. Pharmacokinetic parameters did not change with time. Maximum concentration increased in a dose- proportional manner. There was then a more dose- proportional (4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg every four weeks) increase seen in the area under the curve (AUC) and trough concentration. Comparing the 8 mg/kg with the 4 mg/kg dose showed an AUC 2.7-fold higher and trough levels 6.5-fold higher than predicted.52

The TCZ 4 mg/kg dose every four weeks produced a predicted mean ± standard deviation (SD) steady-state AUC, trough concentration, and peak level of 13,000 ± 5800 μg·h/mL, 1.49 ± 2.13 μg/mL and 88.3 ± 41.4 μg/mL, respectively. The accumulation ratios for AUC, peak levels, and trough levels were 1.11, 1.02, and 1.96, respectively. All three parameters were higher with increased body weight. TCZ doses higher than 800 mg per infusion are not recommended. The TCZ 8 mg/kg dose every four weeks had a predicted mean steady-state AUC, and peak and trough levels of 35,000 ± 15,500 μg·h/mL, 9.74 ± 10.5 μg/mL, and 183 ± 85.6 μg/mL, respectively. The accumulation ratios for AUC, and peak levels and trough levels were 1.22, 1.06, and 2.35, respectively. All three parameters were higher with increased body weight.52

Study data show that RA patients had a central volume of distribution of 3.5 L and a peripheral volume of distribution of 2.9 L, resulting in a volume of distribution at steady state of 6.4 L. The total clearance of TCZ is concentration-dependent, and is determined by linear and nonlinear clearance. Linear clearance is estimated to be 12.5 mL/h from population analysis. Low TCZ doses utilize nonlinear clearance and, because this becomes saturated at higher doses, linear clearance drives overall elimination. At steady state, the elimination half-life can be from 11 days (4 mg/kg every four weeks) to 13 days (8 mg/kg every four weeks, and is therefore concentration-dependent.52

There are no formal studies of the effect of hepatic or renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of TCZ. Patients given TCZ had normal renal function, and there does not appear to be a need to adjust the dose for mild renal impairment.52

IL-6 reduces mRNA expression for several cytochrome (CYP)450 isoenzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) in vitro, and this is reversed by coincubation with TCZ at clinically relevant concentrations. IL-6 signal inhibition may restore CYP450 to higher levels, thus increasing metabolism of drugs that are CYP450 substrates. Monitoring is recommended when a patient is taking a medication with a narrow therapeutic index (CYP450 substrate). Simvastatin and omeprazole are examples of medications for which TCZ administration may alter exposure.52

Clinical efficacy

There are six fully published Phase III studies54–59 supporting use of TCZ in the treatment of RA. There are also other studies, including important Phase I,60 II,61–63 and III64 evaluations of response to TCZ by patients with active RA. These studies are reviewed briefly, followed by a more indepth summary of the fully published Phase III studies (Tables 1–6) for TCZ as monotherapy and in combination therapy.

Table 1.

Baseline characteristics from published Phase II trials on tocilizumab monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis

	SAMURAI54 (52 wks)		SATORI55 (24 wks)		AMBITION56 (24 wks)
Criteria	Inclusion: Age >20, RA ≥ 6 mos – 5 yrs, SJC ≥ 6 and TJC ≥ 6, ESR ≥ 30 mm/h and CRP ≥ 20 mg/l, Inadequate response to ≥1 DMARD or immunosuppressant, WBC ≥ 3.5 × 109/l, Lymphocyte count ≥ 0.5 × 109, Platelets ≥ 100 × 109		Inclusion: Age 20–75, Treated with MTX (8 mg/wk) ≥ 8 wks until enrollment, RA ≥ 6 mos, Inadequate response to MTX (SJC ≥ 6 + TJC ≥ 6 or ESR ≥ 30 mm/hr or CRP ≥ 10 mg/l)		Inclusion: Age ≥18, Moderate to severe RA ≥ 3 mos, Active disease (SJC ≥ 6 and TJC ≥ 8 and ESR ≥ 28 mm/h or CRP ≥ 1 mg/dl), Stable dose of NSAID and oral glucocorticoids ≥ 6 wks
	Exclusion: Received anti-TNF and/or leflunomide ≤3 mos prior to 1st dose, Change in dose and type of immunosuppressants/DMARDs, plasma exchange and surgery ≤4 wks prior to 1st dose, Serious allergic reaction, Significant concomitant disease, Active infection requiring medication ≤4 wks prior to 1st dose		Exclusion: Lymphocyte count <0.5 × 109, WBC < 3.5 × 109/l, Platelets <LLN, Failed anti-TNF agent or leflunomide ≤12 wks prior to study, Class IV RA, AST or ALT or Serum Cr >1.5-fold ULN, Active infection, HCV ab or HBs antigen +, Reaction to MTX, Significant disease (cardiac, blood, respiratory, neurologic, endocrine, renal, hepatic or GI), Alcoholic		Exclusion: Unstable concurrent illness, Active TB, Failed anti-TNF agent, MTX use ≤6 months prior to study, MTX adverse effect or lack of efficacy in past
	DMARDa(n = 143)	TCZ 8b(n = 157)	MTXc(n = 64)	TCZ 8b(n = 61)	MTXd(n = 284)	TCZ 8e(n = 286)
Age, years	53.1	52.9	50.8	52.6	50.0	50.7
Female, %	82	80	75	90	79	83
RA, years	2.4	2.2	8.7	8.5	6.2	6.4
DAS28 (2–10)	6.4	6.5	6.2	6.1	6.8	6.8
CRP mg/l	49	47	32	30	31	30
ESR mm/h	71.0	70.8	51.9	51.9	49.4	49.9
TJC	14.4/49	15.3/49	14.2/49	13.8/49	31.1/68	31.8/68
SJC	11.9/46	12.5/46	12.7/46	12.4/46	19.2/66	19.1/66
HAQ-DI (0–3)	−	−	−	−	1.5	1.6
Pain VAS	−	−	−	−	61.5	58.7
Patient VAS	−	−	−	−	65.6	63.9
Phys. VAS	−	−	−	−	63.6	63.0
TSS	30.6	28.3	−	−	−	−
Erosion score	13.9	13.8	−	−	−	−
JSN score	16.7	14.5	−	−	−	−
VEGF pg/ml	−	−	730.8	711.3	−	−
DMARD/TNF use	2.8 (1–7)f	2.7 (1–7)f	3.6 (1–8)f	3.3 (1–8)f	1.1 ± 1.4g	1.2 ± 1.3g

Notes: Except where indicated otherwise, values are the mean. A blank represents no reported value.

^aDMARD group: MTX (30%), MTX + DMARD (37%) or DMARD and/or immunosuppressant’s other than MTX (22%) + TCZ Placebo;

^bTCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX Placebo;

^cMTX + TCZ Placebo;

^dMTX (7.5–20 mg escalating dose);

^eTCZ 8 mg/kg;

^fNumber (range) of failed DMARDS;

^gMean ± SD of DMARD and anti-TNF’s used previously.

Abbreviations: RA, rheumatoid arthritis; DMARD, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; DAS28, disease activity score 28; SJC, swollen joint count; TJC, tender joint count; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; CRP, C-reactive protein; WBC, white blood cell; TCZ, tocilizumab; MTX, methotrexate; TSS, total sharp score; NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; Cr, Creatinine; ULN, upper limit of normal; LLN, lower limit of normal; TB, tuberculosis; HCV, hepatitis C virus; HBs, hepatitis B surface; GI, gastrointestinal; JSN, joint space narrowing; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; VAS, visual analog scale (0–100 mm); HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index.

Table 6.

Adverse events reported from the Phase II trials on tocilizumab combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

	OPTION57 (24 wks)			RADIATE58 (24 wks)			TOWARD59 (24 wks)
	MTXa (n = 204)	TCZ 4b (n = 212)	TCZ 8c (n = 206)	MTXa (n = 158)	TCZ 4b (n = 161)	TCZ 8c (n = 170)	DMARDd (n = 414)	TCZ 8e (n = 802)
Any adverse event	63	71	69	81	87	84	61	73
Serious adverse event	−	−	−	11	7	6	4f	7f
Related serious adverse event	−	−	−	2	2	3	1	3
AE leading to discontinuation	−	−	−	5	6	6	2	4
AE leading to dose modification	−	−	−	8	15	7	7	14
Death	−	−	−	0	0	0	<1	<1
	AE’s in ≥5%			AE’s in >5%			AE’s in ≥5%
Infections and infestations	27	31	32	41	47	49	32	37
Gastrointestinal disorders	22	22	23	19	33	37	15	21
MSK + CT disorders	16	14	12	21	21	15	18	13
Skin and SC tissue disorders	7	13	18	14	31	22	7	17
Nervous system disorders	13	12	15	17	20	18	9	12
Laboratory investigations	5	12	15	−	−	−	3	12
Injury and procedural	−	−	−	10	7	11	7	8
Vascular disorders	5	8	6	5	11	8	5	7
Psychiatric disorders	−	−	−	4	10	7	−	−
Eye disorders	−	−	−	2	7	6	−	−
Metabolism and nutrition	−	−	−	4	4	5	−	−
Hematologic	−	−	−	3	3	5	−	−
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders	5	7	8	13	15	12	5	9
General disorders and administrative-site conditions	7	9	11	14	16	12	7	8
	SAE’s in >1%			SAE’s in >1%			SAE’s in >1%
Infections and infestations	1.0	1.4	2.9	3.1	1.8	4.6	1.9	2.7
Gastrointestinal disorders	−	−	−	1.3	1.2	1.1	0.2	1.1
MSK + CTD disorders	−	−	−	3.1	1.2	0.6	−	−

Notes: Values are the percent of patients rounded to nearest whole number for AE and the nearest one tenth for SAE. A blank represents no reported value.

^aMTX 10–25 mg + TCZ placebo;

^bTCZ 4 mg/kg + MTX 10–25 mg;

^cTCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX 10–25 mg;

^dPermitted DMARD + TCX placebo

^ePermitted DMARD + TCX 8 mg/kg;

^fValues represent % of SAE occurring in ≥ 3 patients.

Abbreviations: AE, adverse event; SAE, serious adverse event; MSK, musculoskeletal; CT, connective tissue; SC, subcutaneous.

Phase I, II, and II studies

A Phase I study60 explored the safety and efficacy of TCZ in RA patients. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, dose-escalation trial in 45 patients with active RA. The single TCZ dose given to the study group was 0.1, 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg. At week 2, a significant treatment difference was seen with the 5 mg/kg dose in regard to the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20)65 and disease activity score (DAS28)66 response. Diarrhea was the most common adverse event, with most adverse events being equal in both groups. This was the first randomized trial to show that IL-6 inhibition significantly improved signs, symptoms, and acute-phase reactions in RA patients.60

A Phase I/II study61 was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TCZ in refractory RA. This was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 164 patients in whom the study doses were 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg administered for three months. A dose-dependent reduction in ACR20 response for the 8 mg/kg dose (78%, P < 0.001) was higher than for the 4 mg/kg dose (57%) or placebo (11%) at three months. A superior response was seen in the 8 mg/kg group for ACR50/ACR70 compared with placebo. Thirty-one patients withdrew from this study, including 25 from the placebo group. Important adverse events comprised a cholesterol increase in 44% of patients, liver function disorders, and decreased white blood cell counts.61

CHARISMA62 was a randomized, 16-week, Phase II, multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled European trial in 359 patients which was done to establish the safety and efficacy of repeat infusions of TCZ in RA not fully responsive to MTX. There were seven treatment arms comprising TCZ 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, or 8 mg/kg, either as monotherapy or combination therapy with MTX, and MTX plus placebo. A statistically significant (P < 0.05) ACR20 was seen in 61% and 63% of those on monotherapy (TCZ 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg, respectively) and in 63% and 74% of those with the same TCZ dose plus MTX, respectively, compared with 41% receiving MTX plus placebo. As early as week 4, all study drug groups achieved a dose-related reduction in DAS28, except for the group receiving TCZ 2 mg/kg monotherapy. The inclusion criteria required patients to have been on MTX for at least four weeks; a high proportion of patients in the placebo group responded to MTX, demonstrating there was not an initial “incomplete response”. Important adverse events were a rise in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. There was a reduction in neutrophil levels.62

STREAM63 was a long-term extension of the three-month study61 described above, and evaluated the safety and efficacy of TCZ 8 mg/kg monotherapy for five years in 143 patients. Forty-eight patients had withdrawn from the study (32 due to adverse events and one due to a poor response). The serious adverse event rate was 27.5 events per 100 patient-years, with 5.7 serious infections per 100 patient-years. ACR20, 50, and 70 responses at five years analyzed by last observation carried forward were 77%, 59%, and 38%, respectively. Corticosteroid doses were decreased in 89% of patients. A remission (disease activity score < 2.6) was seen in 55% of patients. This was the first study to demonstrate the long-term safety and efficacy of TCZ monotherapy in DMARD-resistant disease. Total cholesterol elevation was seen throughout the study period, and there was one episode of ischemic heart disease in a patient who also had diabetes mellitus. Mean neutrophil counts decreased but remained in the normal range. There was no significant liver disease seen, despite slight elevations of mean alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase values.63

LITHE64 was a Phase III, international (15 countries), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of TCZ in patients with moderate to severe RA who remained on MTX despite inadequate response. Patients received TCZ 4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg, or placebo, with background MTX (52 weeks with rescue at 16 weeks if needed). All patients were to take TCZ 8 mg/kg for the second year unless they achieved ≥70% improvements in swollen joint count and tender joint count. A primary endpoint at week 104 was change from baseline in Genant-modified Total Sharp Score, which showed that there was significantly less radiographic progression in the TCZ 8 mg/kg group compared with placebo. There were significantly more TCZ 8 mg/kg patients than those on placebo with no radiographic progression (P ≤ 0.0001). The change from baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI)67 was significant in both TCZ groups when compared with placebo. From the data presented, serious adverse events are comparable in all three groups, but the results of this study have not been fully published at the time of writing.

Fully published Phase III trials are now described. Baseline data, as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria, for each study are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Some of the patients enrolled had a history of previous use and/or failure of DMARDs and TNF-α inhibitors, except for those in the AMBITION study. The duration of each trial ranges from 24–52 weeks. Important efficacy outcomes are summarized in Tables 3 and 4. ACR20 was the primary endpoint in all studies, except for SAMURAI, ie, the only study that investigated patients with early RA. All the studies described had the primary efficacy endpoint analyzed in the intentionto- treat population with last observation carried forward, except for AMBITION; noninferiority on the per-protocol population and superiority on the intention to treat. The baseline characteristics and demographics in each study were not different between the study and placebo groups.

Table 2.

Baseline characteristics from published Phase II trials on tocilizumab combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

	OPTION57 (24 wks)			RADIATE58 (24 wks)			TOWARD59 (24 wks)
Criteria	Inclusion: Adult, RA ≥ 6 mos, Active disease (SJC ≥ 6 + TJC ≥ 8 or ESR ≥ 28 mm/hr or CRP > 10 mg/l), Received MTX ≥ 12 wks (stable dose 10–25 mg/wk ≥8 wks) with inadequate response prior to study, Discontinued all other DMARDs (etanercept ≥ 2 wks, infliximab or adalimumab ≥8 wks, leflunomide ≥12 wks or ≥4 wks with colestyramine washout, anakinra ≥1wk), Stable dosage of NSAIDs and/or oral steroids ≥6 wks			Inclusion: Age ≥18, Moderate to severe RA ≥ 6 mos (SJC ≥ 6 + TJC ≥ 8), ESR ≥ 28 mm/h and CRP ≥ 1 mg/dl, Failed anti-TNF ≤ 1 yr, Discontinued etanercept (≥2 wks), infliximab or adalimumab (≥8 wks), leflunomide (≥12 weeks) and all DMARDs (except MTX) prior to study			Inclusion: Age ≥18, Moderate to severe RA ≥ 6 mos, SJC ≥ 6 + TJC ≥ 8, ESR ≥ 28 mm/h or CRP ≥ 1 mg/dl, Stable dose of NSAID/oral steroid ≥6 wks, Stable dose of DMARDs ≥ 8 wks prior to study (MTX, HCQ, SZA, LEF, gold, AZA or combination of 2–3 DMARDS)
	Exclusion: Class IV RA, Other autoimmune disease, significant systemic involvement of RA, other inflammatory joint disease, recurrent infections, AST or ALT > 1.5 ULN, Failed anti-TNF agent			Exclusion: Cell depleting agent treatment, Uncontrolled medical conditions, Other inflammatory disease, Class IV RA, Malignancy, Recurrent infections, Active TB, Hepatitis B or C, Immunodeficient, Hemoglobin < 8.5 g/dl, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, Triglycerides > 10 mmol/l, Liver disease			Exclusion: Failed anti-TNF, cell depleting agent treatment, Failed TB screen per local practice
	MTXa(n = 204)	TCZ 4b(n = 213)	TCZ 8c(n = 205)	MTXa(n = 158)	TCZ 4b(n = 161)	TCZ 8c(n = 170)	DMARDd(n = 413)	TCZ 8e(n = 803)
Age, years	50.6	51.4	50.8	53.4	50.9	53.9	54	53
Female, %	78	82	85	79	81	84	84	81
RA, years	7.8	7.4	7.5	11.4	11.	12.6	9.8	9.8
DAS28 (2–10)	6.8	6.8	6.8	6.80	6.78	6.79	6.6	6.7
CRP mg/l	24	28	26	37	31	28	26	26
ESR mm/h	49.7	49.2	51.2	54.6	51.3	49.1	49.2	48.2
TJC	32.8/68	33.2/68	31.9/68	30.4	31.3	31.7	29.1/66	30.1/66
SJC	20.7/66	20.0/66	19.5/66	18.9	19.5	18.9	18.7/68	19.7/68
HAQ-DI (0–3)	1.5	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.5	1.5
SF-36 physical	32.3	31.5	32.7	−	−	−	−	−
SF–36 mental	39.1	40.1	40.9	−	−	−	−	−
FACIT (0–52)	26.7	27	27.7	−	−	−	−	−
Pain VAS	57.3	60.7	59.9	64.1	63.5	64.7	59	58
Patient VAS	63.6	65.6	64.8	70.9	70.4	70.2	66	66
Phys. VAS	63.7	63.6	64	67.5	66.5	66.4	63	64
MTX, mg	14.8	14.7	14.5	16.5	16.2	15.7	15.0	14.7
DMARD use	1.7 ± 1.5f	1.5 ± 1.4f	1.5 ± 1.4f	2.1 ± 1.6f	2.0 ± 1.6f	1.9 ± 1.7f	1.6 ± 1.6g	1.6 ± 1.6g
TNF use	19 (9%)h	21 (10%)h	11 (55%)h	30.6%i	38.0%i	38.3%i
				39.4%j	34.4%j	30.3%j
				29.4%k	26.4%k	31.4%k

Notes: Except where indicated otherwise, values are the mean. A blank represents no reported value.

^aMTX 10–25 mg + TCZ placebo;

^bTCZ 4 mg/kg + MTX 10–25 mg;

^cTCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX 10–25 mg;

^dPermitted DMARD + TCX placebo;

^ePermitted DMARD + TCX 8 mg/kg;

^fMean ± SD of DMARDS used before study;

^gMean ± SD of DMARD plus anti-TNF’s used previously;

^hNumber (%) of total that used anti-TNF’s previously;

ⁱPercent with previous Etanercept use;

^jPercent with previous Adalimumab use;

^kPercent with previous Infliximab use.

Abbreviations: RA, rheumatoid arthritis; SJC, swollen joint count; TJC, tender joint count; MTX, methotrexate; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; CRP, C-reactive protein; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; DMARD, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; TB, tuberculosis; NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; ULN, upper limit of normal; HCQ, hydroxychloroquine; SZA, sulfasalazine; LEF, leflunomide; AZA, azathioprine; TCZ, Tocilizumab; DAS28, disease activity score 28; HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index; SF36, Short Form 36 (scored 0–100); FACIT, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy; VAS, visual analog scale (0–100 mm).

Table 3.

Clinical response from Phase II trials on tocilizumab monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis

	SAMURAI54 (52 wks)		SATORI55 (24 wks)		AMBITION56 (24 wks)
	DMARDa (n = 143)	TCZ 8b (n = 157)	MTXc (n = 64)	TCZ 8b (n = 61)	MTXd (n = 284)	TCZ 8e (n = 286)
ACR20	34	78*	25	80*	53	70*
ACR50	13	64*	11	49*	34	44**
ACR70	6	44*	6	30*	15	28*
DAS28 <2.6	3	59*	1.6	43.1*	12	34$
EULAR response	−	−	39.7	96.6	64.8	82.2
CRP mg/l	−	−	−	−	−1.9	−2.8$$
ESR mm/h	−	−	−	−	−16.1	−37.3$$
TJC	−	−	−	−	−13.9	−17.2$$
SJC	−	−	−	−	−8.2	−11.7$$
HAQ-DI	−	−	−	−	−0.5	−0.7$$
Pain VAS	−	−	−	−	−29.9	−31.9
Pt. VAS	−	−	−	−	−30.7	−34.5
Phys VAS	−	−	−	−	−31.7	−41.3$$
TSS	6.1	2.3#	−	−	−	−
Erosion score	3.2	0.9*	−	−	−	−
JSN score	2.9	1.5##	−	−	−	−
VEGF pg/ml	−	−	−74.0	−346.9*	−	−
MHAQ (↓≥0.22)	40	68*	34	67*	−	−

Notes: ACR20, 50, 70, DAS28, EULAR response (good+moderate) and MHAQ are all shown as proportion of patients who achieved response CRP, ESR, TJC, SJC, HAQDI, VAS, TSS, erosion score, JSN score are all shown as mean change from baseline A blank represents no reported value.

^*P < 0.001;

^**P = 0.002;

^#P < 0.01;

^##P < 0.05;

^$Odds ratio vs MTX: 5.83; 95% CI 3.27 to 10.40;

^$$Superiority criteria met

^aDMARD group: MTX (30%), MTX + DMARD (37%) or DMARD and/or immunosuppressant’s other than MTX (22%) + TCZ Placebo;

^bTCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX Placebo;

^cMTX + TCZ Placebo;

^dMTX (7.5–20 mg escalating dose);

^eTCZ 8 mg/kg.

Abbreviations: ACR20,50,70, American College of Rheumatology 20%, 50%, 70% improvement criteria; DAS28, disease activity score 28 (<2.6 indicates remission); EULAR, European League Against Rheumatism (good+moderate); CRP, C-reactive protein; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; TJC, tender joint count; SJC, swollen joint count; HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (scored 0–3); TSS, Total Sharp score; VAS, visual analog scale (scored 0–100 mm); JSN, joint space narrowing score; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; MHAQ, Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (↓ of ≥0.22 is significant clinical improvement).

Table 4.

Clinical response from the Phase II trials on tocilizumab combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

	OPTION57 (24 wks)			RADIATE58 (24 wks)			TOWARD59 (24 wks)
	MTXa (n = 204)	TCZ 4b (n = 213)	TCZ 8c (n = 205)	MTXa (n = 158)	TCZ 4b (n = 161)	TCZ 8c (n = 170)	DMARDd (n = 413)	TCZ 8e (n = 803)
ACR20	26	48*	59*	10.1	30.4**	50.0**	24.5	60.8*
ACR50	22	31*	44*	3.8	16.8**	28.8**	9.0	37.6*
ACR70	4	12*	22*	1.3	5.0	12.4#	2.9	20.5*
DAS28	0.8	13**	27*	1.6	7.6	30.1#	3	30*
EULAR response	33	62*	79*	16.5	46.5**	67.7**	38	80*
CRP mg/l	−3.5	−16.6**	−25.1*	−	−	−	−2.7	−22*
ESR mm/h	−7.1	−25.5*	−39.5*	−	−	−	−4.7	−35.6*
TJC	−7.4	−14.5*	−17.1*	−0.3	−10.5**	−14.8**	−8.5	−15.7*
SJC	−4.3	−8.5*	−10.5*	−0.5	−6.8**	−7.8**	−4.9	−10.3*
HAQ-DI	−0.34	−0.52##	−0.055#	−0.05	−0.31**	−0.39**	−0.2	−0.5*
SF-36 physical	5.0	9.7*	9.5*	−	−	−	4.1	8.9*
SF-36 mental	2.7	5.7##	7.3#	−	−	−	2.3	5.3*
FACIT	4.0	7.3#	8.6*	−	−	−	3.6	8.0*
Pain VAS	−14.0	−25.0**	−29.8*	−	−	−	−	−
Pt. VAS	−17.8	−28.8**	−32.7*	−	−	−	−	−
Phys VAS	−32.7	−38.3##	−41.6**	−	−	−	−	−

Notes: ACR20, 50, 70, DAS28 and EULAR response (good+moderate) are all shown as proportion of patients who achieved response CRP, ESR, TJC, SJC, HAQDI, SF36, FACIT and VAS are all shown as mean change from baseline A blank represents no reported value.

^*P < 0.0001;

^**P < 0.001;

^#P < 0.01;

^##P < 0.05;

^aMTX 10–25 mg + TCZ placebo;

^bTCZ 4 mg/kg + MTX 10–25 mg;

^cTCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX 10–25 mg;

^dPermitted DMARD + TCX placebo;

^ePermitted DMARD + TCX 8 mg/kg.

Abbreviations: ACR20,50,70 American College of Rheumatology 20%, 50%, 70% improvement criteria; DAS28, disease activity score 28 (<2.6 indicates remission); EULAR, European League Against Rheumatism (good+moderate); CRP, C-reactive protein; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; TJC, tender joint count; SJC, swollen joint count; HAQ, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (scored 0–3); SF36, Short Form 36 (scored 0–100); FACIT, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (scored 0–100); VAS, visual analog scale (scored 0–100 mm).

Tocilizumab monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis

AMBITION56 was a 24-week, Phase III, international (US, Canada, and Israel), randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-group study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TCZ monotherapy versus MTX in patients with active RA for whom previous therapy with MTX and/ or biologic agents had not failed. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. One groups received TCZ 8 mg/kg intravenously every four weeks (n = 288) and the second group received MTX (escalating dose regimen, ie, initially 7.5 mg, increasing to 15 mg at week 4 and 20 mg at week 8) orally once weekly (n = 288). There was a substudy arm which is not reviewed here. In total, 673 patients were randomized, with most completing the study (93% in the TCZ group and 92% in the MTX group)

The primary endpoint was ACR20 response at week 24. The primary efficacy analysis was a noninferiority comparison using the established per-protocol population (ACR20 70.6% for TCZ versus 52.1% for MTX). Superiority of TCZ to MTX was shown in the intention-to-treat population as early as week 2, with an increase over time (ACR20 69.6% for TCZ versus 52.5% for MTX, P < 0.001 at week 24). Important secondary endpoints (Table 3) analyzed by superiority in the intention-to-treat population included the proportion of those with an ACR50/ACR70 response at week 24. Changes from baseline in DAS28,66 inflammatory markers, and HAQ-DI were assessed at week 24. The proportion of those with clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6) and a good/moderate European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response68 was also assessed. Pain and patient’s global assessment of disease activity were measured using a visual analog scale.69

SATORI55 was a 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Japanese study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TCZ monotherapy in patients with active RA AND an inadequate response to MTX. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received TCZ 8 mg/kg intravenously every four weeks plus an MTX placebo weekly (n = 61) and the second group received TCZ or placebo intravenously every four weeks plus MTX 8 mg orally weekly (n = 66). A total of 127 patients were randomized, with 88 completing the study (89% in the TCZ group and 52% in the MTX group).

The primary endpoint was ACR20 response at week 24 (80.3% for TCZ versus 52.5% for placebo, P < 0.001). Important secondary endpoints (Table 3) were the proportion of those with an ACR50/ACR70 response at week 24. Change from baseline in the DAS28, Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (to represent significant clinical improvement),70 the proportion of those with clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6), and good/moderate EULAR responses was assessed. Mean serum vascular endothelial growth factor was also checked in both groups.

SAMURAI54 was a 52-week, Phase III, multicenter, randomized, x-ray reader-blinded, controlled Japanese evaluation of the ability of TCZ monotherapy to inhibit progression of structural joint damage in patients with early RA. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. One groups received TCZ 8 mg/kg intravenously every four weeks (n = 158) and the second group received conventional DMARD therapy (n = 148); 30% were on MTX monotherapy, 37% were on a combination of MTX and DMARDs, and 22% were on DMARDs and/or immunosuppressants other than MTX. A total of 306 patients were randomized, with 265 completing the study (85% in the TCZ group and 90% in the DMARD group).

The primary endpoint (Table 3) was changes in radiographic disease progression, and significantly less progression was seen in the TCZ group compared with the placebo group. Radiographic endpoints on modified Total Sharp Score,71 erosion score, and joint space narrowing were assessed with a rank-transformed analysis of covariance on the change scores that included factors for baseline score and disease duration. ACR20, 50, and 70 responses, DAS28, and Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were assessed using the intent-to-treat analysis.

Combination therapy with tocilizumab and DMARDs

OPTION57 was a 24-week, Phase III, international (17 countries), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of the efficacy and safety of TCZ in patients with active RA receiving background MTX therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Two groups received TCZ intravenously every four weeks, ie, 4 mg/kg (n = 214) or 8 mg/kg (n = 205) plus MTX orally weekly (stable dose 10–25 mg). The third group received TCZ placebo intravenously every four weeks plus MTX orally weekly (stable dose 10–25 mg, n = 204). Patients could be enrolled on rescue therapy of TCZ 8 mg/kg at week 16. A total of 623 patients were randomized, with 566 completing the study, including 111 on rescue therapy. Ninety-three percent, 87%, and 93% in the TCZ 8 mg/kg, TCZ 4 mg/kg and placebo groups, respectively, completed the study.

The primary endpoint was ACR20 response at week 24, which was 59% for TCZ 8 mg/kg versus 26% for placebo (P < 0.001) and 48% for TCZ 4 mg/kg versus 26% for placebo (P < 0.001). Important secondary endpoints (Table 4) were the proportion of patients with an ACR50/ACR70 response at week 24, change from baseline in DAS28, the proportion of those with a clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6), and a good/moderate EULAR response at week 24. Pain and patient’s global assessment of disease activity were measured by a visual analog scale. HAQ-DI was used to assess physical function. The Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)72 and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue assessment73 was used to assess health-related quality of life.

TOWARD59 was a 24-week, international (18 countries), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study which investigated the efficacy and safety of TCZ combined with conventional DMARDs in patients with active RA. Patients were randomly assigned in a ratio of 2:1 to two groups. One group received TCZ 8 mg/kg intravenously every four weeks plus stable DMARD therapy (n = 805). The second group received TCZ placebo intravenously every four weeks plus stable DMARD therapy (n = 415). Patients could be enrolled in rescue therapy (adjustment/change of DMARD and/or glucocorticoids) at week 16. A total of 1220 of patients were randomized, with 91% in the TCZ group and 78% in the placebo group completing the study.

The primary endpoint was ACR20 response at week 24 (61% for TCZ 8 mg/kg versus 25% for placebo, P < 0.0001). Important secondary endpoints (Table 4) were the proportion of those with an ACR50/ACR70 response at week 24, change from baseline of the DAS28, the proportion of those with a clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6) and a good/moderate EULAR response at week 24. The HAQ-DI was used to assess physical function. The SF-36 and FACIT- Fatigue assessment was used to assess healthrelated quality of life.

RADIATE58 was a 24-week, international (US and Western Europe), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase III evaluation of the efficacy and safety of TCZ in patients with active RA refractory to TNF-α inhibitor therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Two groups received TCZ intravenously every four weeks, ie, 4 mg/kg (n = 163) or 8 mg/kg (n = 175) plus MTX orally weekly (stable dose 10–25 mg). The third group received TCZ placebo intravenously every four weeks plus MTX orally weekly (stable dose 10–25 mg, n = 160). Patients could be allocated to rescue therapy (TCZ 8 mg/kg plus MTX) at week 16. A total of 498 patients were randomized, with 417 completing the study and 113 being switched to rescue therapy. Within the study groups, 75%, 66%, and 40% in the TCZ 8 mg/kg, TCZ 4 mg/kg, and placebo groups, respectively, completed the study.

The primary endpoint was ACR20 response at week 24 (50% for TCZ 8 mg/kg versus 10.1% for placebo [P < 0.001] and 30.4% for TCZ 4 mg/kg versus 10.1% for placebo [P < 0.001]). Important secondary endpoints (Table 4) were the proportion of patients with an ACR50/ACR70 response at week 24, change from baseline of the DAS28, the proportion of those with clinical remission (DAS28 < 2.6) and a good/ moderate EULAR response at week 24. The HAQ-DI was used to assess physical function.

Safety and tolerability

Data on adverse events and serious adverse events from the six fully published trials54–59 are shown in Tables 5 and 6. The TCZ prescribing information52 includes combined safety data from five trials,56–59,64 ie, TCZ 4 mg/kg in combination with MTX (n = 774), TCZ 8 mg/kg monotherapy (n = 288), and TCZ 8 mg/kg in combination with DMARDs (n = 1582). All patients in the registration studies who received at least one dose of TCZ have been included in the exposure population (n = 4009). Treatment was given to 3577 of these patients for at least six months. The study population was of mean age 52 years, with 82% being female and 74% Caucasian, and having moderate to severe active RA.52

Table 5.

Adverse events from Phase II trials on tocilizumab monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis

	SAMURAI54 (52 wks)		SATORI55 (24 wks)		AMBITION56 (24 wks)
	DMARDa (n = 143)	TCZ 8b (n = 157)	MTXc (n = 64)	TCZ 8b (n = 61)	MTXd (n = 284)	TCZ 8e (n = 286)
Any adverse event	82	89	72	92	78	80
Serious adverse event	13	18	4.7	6.6	3	4
Related serious adverse event	−	−	−	−	1	1
AE leading to discontinuation	−	−	−	−	5	4
AE leading to dose modification	−	−	−	−	22	19
Death	−	−	−	−	<1	1
	AE’s in ≥5%		AE’s in >5%		AE’s in ≥5%
Infections and infestations	−	−	−	−	37	34
Nasopharyngitis	32	36	11	18	6	7
Upper respiratory tract infections	−	−	6	5	5	7
Stomatitis	−	−	0	12	−	−
Gastrointestinal disorders	−	−	−	−	31	30
Nausea	1	6	−	−	12	6
Vomiting	3	5	−	−	−	−
Diarrhea	9	8	2	7	5	5
MSK + CT disorders	−	−	−	−	11	12
Skin and SC tissue disorders	−	−	−	−	11	15
Rash	4	11	−	−	−	−
Eczema	4	6	−	−	−	−
Paronychia	<1	6	−	−	−	−
Nervous system disorders	−	−	−	−	6	13
Headaches	2	7	3	7	3	7
Laboratory investigations	31	61	23	56	15	17
Injury and procedural	−	−	−	−	5	5
Vascular disorders	−	−	−	−	5	8
Psychiatric disorders	−	−	−	−	7	7
Eye disorders	−	−	−	−	3	5
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders	−	−	−	−	7	9
General disorders and administrative-site conditions	0	7f	0	12f	9	7
	SAE’s in >1%		SAE’s in >1%		SAE’s in >1%
Infections and infestations	5.6	7.6	1.6	3.2	0.7	1.4
Spinal compression fracture	5.5	1.9	1.6	−	−	−
Femoral neck fracture	−	−	1.6	−	−	−
Malignancy	0	1.9	−	−	1.1	0.3

Notes: Values are the percent of patients rounded to nearest whole number for AE and the nearest one tenth for SAE. A blank represents no reported value.

^aDMARD group: MTX (30%), MTX + DMARD (37%) or DMARD and/or immunosuppressant’s other than MTX (22%) + TCZ Placebo;

^bTCZ 8 mg/kg + MTX Placebo;

^cMTX + TCZ Placebo;

^dMTX (7.5–20 mg escalating dose);

^eTCZ 8 mg/kg;

^fInfusion reactions.

Abbreviations: AE, adverse event; SAE, serious adverse event; MSK, musculoskeletal; CT, connective tissue; SC, subcutaneous.

The most commonly reported adverse events (occurring in ≥5% of patients on TCZ monotherapy and combination therapy) in the controlled studies56–59,64 up to six months were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache, hypertension, and increased alanine transaminase. Increased transaminase values and serious infections were the most common reason for discontinuation of the medication (5% for patients taking TCZ and 3% for patients taking placebo).52,56–59,64 The medication was generally well tolerated at doses of 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg given every four weeks.

Infections occurred at a rate of 119 events per 100 patient-years in the TCZ monotherapy group, which was similar to the rate in the MTX monotherapy group. The TCZ-DMARD combination group (4 mg/kg with 133 events and 8 mg/kg with 127 events) had events per 100 patient-years similar to those of the placebo-DMARD group (112 events). Upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis were the most commonly reported infections. The overall rate of infections with TCZ in the all-exposure population was 108 events per 100 patient-years.52,56–59,64

The most common serious infections were pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, sepsis, and bacterial arthritis. The rate of serious infections in the TCZ monotherapy group was 3.6 per 100 patient-years compared with 1.5 per 100 patient- years in the MTX group. The TCZ-DMARD combination group (4 mg/kg with 4.4 events and 8 mg/kg with 5.3 events) had events per 100 patient-years similar to that in the placebo- DMARD group (3.9 events). The all-exposure population had an overall rate of serious infections of 4.7 events per 100 patient- years. The overall rate of fatal serious infections was low (0.13 per 100 patient-years).52,56–59,64

Infusion-related events were reported in 8% of patients on the 4 mg/kg TCZ-DMARD) combination, 7% on the 8 mg/kg TCZ-DMARD combination, and 5% on the placebo- DMARD combination. Headache and skin reactions were the most commonly reported events within the first 24 hours of infusion. Hypertension was reported by 1% for both doses of TCZ during the infusion. A clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction was documented in 0.2% of patients (9/4009) in the all-exposure population and this was usually observed during the second, third and/or fourth infusions. Anti-TCZ antibodies developed in 2% of patients (46/2876), and five had to withdraw from their allocated treatment because of a hypersensitivity reaction.52,56–59,64

Gastrointestinal perforations occurred at a rate of 0.26 events per 100 patient-years with TCZ therapy in the controlled clinical trials.52,56–59,64 Most of the patients who developed this complication were also taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and/or MTX, but whether this played a role in the gastrointestinal problems is not known. The all-exposure population had an overall rate of 0.28 events per 100 patient-years for gastrointestinal perforation.

A decrease in neutrophil counts (<1000/mm³) occurred in 1.8% (TCZ 4 mg/kg), and 3.4% (TCZ 8 mg/kg) in the combination DMARD group.52,56–59,64 The placebo group had only 0.1% of patients with low neutrophil counts. A decrease in counts below 500/mm3 occurred in 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.1% of patients in the 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg TCZ and placebo groups (all with combination DMARDs), respectively. Platelets were also decreased (<100,000/mm³) as a result of TCZ-DMARD therapy in 1.3% (4 mg/kg) and 1.7% (8 mg/kg) of patients. Only 0.5% of patients in the placebo group developed a reduction in platelets, with no bleeding events in any of the groups. The all-exposure population had similar patterns as seen in the controlled trials.52,56–59,64

Reduction in the TCZ dose, interruption of TCZ treatment, or a reduced dose of DMARDs was needed in some patients because of liver enzyme abnormalities. There were more patients on a TCZ-DMARD combination than on TCZ monotherapy (8 mg/kg) or MTZ monotherapy who had elevations in aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase.52

An elevation of lipids was seen at week 6, but these levels stabilized at this point and were responsive to lipidlowering agents. The mean LDL increased by 13 mg/dL (TCZ 4 mg/kg + DMARD), 20 mg/dL (TCZ 8 mg/kg + DMARD), 25 mg/dL (TCZ 8 mg/kg monotherapy), and mean HDL increased by 3 mg/dL (TCZ 4 mg/kg + DMARD), 5 mg/dL (TCZ 8 mg/kg + DMARD), 4 mg/dL (TCZ 8 mg/kg monotherapy) in the controlled trials.52,56–59,64

Malignancy developed in 15 patients in the TCZ groups compared with eight patients in the control groups. The exposure-adjusted incidence was 1.32 events per 100 patient-years for the TCZ groups and 1.37 events per 100 patient-years for placebo-DMARD groups. A pooled analysis of long-term extension studies has not shown any new safety concerns in patients who have received this medication for an average of 2.4 years.74

Warnings and precautions

TCZ should not be administered to those with active infection, those exposed to tuberculosis, or those with a history of serious or opportunistic infection. There is an increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation, and patients should seek medical attention for any new onset abdominal pain. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and increased lipid parameters are all associated with TCZ use. Laboratory values should be monitored every 4–8 weeks. Although the exact overall adverse impact of TCZ is not known, other warnings include risk of malignancy, hypersensitivity reactions, demyelinating disorders, hepatic impairment, and, of course, caution with live vaccinations.52

Regulatory progress

TCZ has been approved in the US as monotherapy and in combination with MTX for the treatment of moderate to severely active RA in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF-α inhibitors.18 The recommended dose is 4 mg/kg, with an increase to 8 mg/kg based on response, given every four weeks.52 The medication is also approved in Europe for the treatment of RA in those who have either responded inadequately to, or who were intolerant of, previous therapy with one or more DMARDs or a TNF-α inhibitor.19 TCZ is also approved in many other countries, including Japan, Mexico, India, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.75

Conclusion

This review has summarized the available evidence from randomized controlled trials of IL-6 inhibition in the treatment for RA. TCZ is effective in a number of patient groups with active RA, and has demonstrated significant clinical improvement in ACR response rates, individual ACR components, patient reported outcomes, radiographic progression, and DAS28 scores. Significant efficacy has been seen with both the 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg doses given every four weeks when compared with placebo.

TCZ monotherapy was superior to MTX monotherapy in those who had not had prior treatment failure and was significantly more effective then DMARDs in those who had prior treatment failure. Combination therapy with TCZ and MTX-DMARDs was significantly more effective than MTX or DMARDS as monotherapy. TCZ was also significantly effective in those who had previously failed a TNF-α inhibitor. Disease activity decreased and the quality of life improved in those who received TCZ, and there was sustainability of response shown in an extension trial. While showing efficacy as monotherapy and combination therapy with conventional DMARDs, the medication was generally well tolerated. Most of the adverse events were mild to moderate and comparable with placebo. The trials reviewed support the use of TCZ in active RA.

Expert commentary

The randomized controlled trials reviewed show the benefit of TCZ in active RA at the approved dose of 4–8 mg/kg every four weeks with or without combination MTX/DMARDs. The benefit of having a drug administered monthly as opposed to weekly or biweekly is an attractive option for patients and clinicians. Regarding the dose, when compared with placebo, TCZ patients were more likely to achieve higher ACR response rates with the 8 mg/kg dose than with the 4 mg/kg dose, and with similar adverse events.

TCZ is approved for use as monotherapy, as well as concomitantly with MTX/DMARDs in patients who have an inadequate response to a TNF- α inhibitor. DMARD combination therapy with biologics14,21,76 as well as biologic monotherapy77–79 has been shown to treat RA effectively in previous studies. It would be helpful to have a comparison of TCZ monotherapy with combination TCZ plus MTX. As monotherapy, this medication can be an option for those who cannot tolerate MTX unless the reason for intolerance is liver disease. If tolerability issues with MTX do not exist, most clinicians would consider continuing a patient on MTX when adding TCZ.

The radiographic progression was less in the TCZ group compared with placebo. However, this was only shown in one fully published monotherapy study.54 Data from the LITHE study has been shown at national conferences, and the fully published study is anticipated, and will reinforce the effect of TCZ on radiographic measures in RA.

The TCZ studies reviewed here used varying doses of MTX and this does limit comparison between the studies. Some of the patients were on low MTX doses that most clinicians would have titrated higher in a real world setting. This may have falsely placed some patients in a nonresponder group.

TCZ was effective in a fashion similar to the other approved biologic agents when compared with placebo. Bergman et al80 felt that the response was comparable with that of other biologic agents for ACR20 and ACR50, but greater for ACR70. However, it is difficult to compare TCZ with other biologics in previous studies because there are limitations to comparing separate studies with different populations and procedures. Comparison of different studies may hold more weight if a continuous response measure, such as DAS28, was used, but this was not available in all the compared trials. A head-to-head trial comparison of IL-6 inhibition and TNF-α inhibition would be interesting and help answer some questions regarding which therapies to resort to when conventional DMARDs fail.

The RADIATE58 study demonstrated TCZ efficacy after the failure of a TNF-α inhibitor, which is now the approved indication in the US and UK. It would be interesting to see how effective this medication is in those who have failed other biologics (abatacept and rituximab), as well as in patients stratified according to the DMARD they have failed. AMBITION56 was the first to show biologic monotherapy superiority to MTX. There were a limited number of MTX-naïve patients in all these studies, and this will be an interesting group to look at in a future trial.

An advantage over some TNF inhibitors is that tuberculosis does not seem to be a safety issue because IL6 does not seem to have an effect on granuloma formation. All but one of the studies reviewed had the ACR20 as the primary outcome; this may have underestimated the difference between groups in terms of adverse events. Overall, the medication was safe to use as there were minimal adverse events and serious adverse events. However, future studies should be considerably longer, with a larger population, and include safety as a primary outcome. The study populations reported here did not have much comorbidity because these patients were excluded; safety may be an issue in sicker patients, and something to look into in future studies.

One safety issue that is concerning is the effect on LDL and total cholesterol. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the Western world, especially in the US, and a well-known extra-articular feature of RA is CAD. This topic may need to be investigated further in those with CAD, a family history of CAD, and/or hyperlipidemia. The current recommendation is to check lipid levels every six months, but this may need some modification in those with established CAD, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and other comorbidities. Interestingly, IL-6 may be a biomarker of carotid artery atherosclerosis,81 and high levels of IL-6 have been a predictor of stroke in those with atrial fibrillation.82

TCZ has efficacy comparable with other biologics, and will be an option for those who fail DMARDs, TNFα inhibitors, and other biologic agents. There are many therapeutic options now, in contrast with a few years ago when clinicians only had a choice of three biologics. Before the widespread use of these newer biologic medications, clinicians should emphasize conventional DMARDs and short courses of glucocorticoids when appropriate. The exact time and which biologic to initiate is not always clear. Early aggressive therapy is recommended, so patients should be followed closely because it is not known on presentation who and what kind of patient will need treatment escalation. When escalation is needed, it could include combination DMARDs and/or biologic agents. The use of a second- and third-line biologic agent has become a standard after one or more has failed.

There are some guidelines put out by various agencies4–6,83 on RA management but there are still no standard algorithms on which biologic to use when there is DMARD failure or initial biologic failure. Experience shows that TNF-α inhibitors are used first-line, although there are many choices as the “next step” after failure of a TNF-α inhibitor. It will be difficult to know which biologic is superior for a patient with refractory disease without head-to-head trials comparing the different agents. At this point, it looks as though TCZ is a promising new agent for those who have failed biologics. Future studies will reveal the complete utility of this drug along with long-term safety issues. Until then, the use of this and other biologics is at the discretion of the provider based on each individual’s disease characteristics.

Five-year view

TCZ monotherapy or combination therapy with DMARDs can achieve what other biologics have done, ie, improve clinical disease, inhibit radiographic progression, and improve quality of life for those with RA. There are many options in conventional DMARDs and/or biologics for clinicians in the treatment of active RA. Clinical trials comparing biologic agents may never be available to help clinicians decide which therapy is best for their patients. Most will continue to use what they have experience with and only use the newer agents for refractory disease unless one of those agents proves to be superior to their current practice tendencies.

Predicting which individual will respond to a particular DMARD and/or biologic will hopefully be the next forefront of therapy in RA. Biomarkers will help us identify which patients will respond to a given therapy from their initial presentation. We hope that one day rheumatologists will be able to provide optimal care for RA with a “first-line” agent on a case-by-case basis after looking at a biomarker profile.