Anti-interleukin-1 therapy in rheumatic diseases

Recent research has shown that in the processes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA ), interleukin (IL)-1 is one of the pivotal cytokines in initiating disease , and the body's natural response, IL-l receptor antagonist (IL-l Ra), has been shown conclusively to block its effects. In laboratory and animal stud ies inhibition of IL-l by either antibodies to IL-l or IL-l Ra proved benef icial to the outcome. To date, two large well-controlled studies in patient s with RA led to the conclusion that IL-l Ra is clinically effective and th at it slows progression of bone damage as measured radiographically. Being a specific, selective inhibitor of the IL-l pathway, IL-l Ra could constitu te an important new approach to treating patients with RA that significantl y reduces the signs and symptoms of the disease, reduces joint destruction and up to now has proved Safe and well tolerated. (C) 2001 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins, Inc.