New IL-6 inhibitor olokizumab (artlegia) in routine clinical practice in patients with moderate and severe rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a prevalent severe immunoinflammatory disease which defines its medical and socioeconomical significance. In 2020 olokizumab - biological product developed and produced in Russia - was registered by Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Olokizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG4-cappa type) specifically inhibiting interleukin-6 (IL-6). Product efficacy and safety were confirmed in recent international phase 3 clinical trials which included 2444 patients over 18 years old with moderate and severe rheumatoid arthritis (CREDO 1, CREDO 2, CREDO 3). This article describes the first experience with olokizumab use in the Department of rheumatology of Pirogov National Medical and Surgical center. The product was given to 17 patients with RA - 14 women and 3 men aged 20 to 75 years old, with typical clinical features" they had polyarthritis with morning stiffness, joint tenderness and swelling on examination, increased ESR and CRB according to test results. The olokizumab therapy led to positive results both in naive patients and in those previously treated with biologics. The rapid reduction of acute-phase reactants was accompanied by positive changes in articular syndrome. Longer observation is required for more detailed description of olokizumab efficacy and safety.