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 studies inhibition of IL-l by either antibodies to IL-l or IL-l Ra proved beneficial to the outcome. To date, two large well-controlled studies in patients with RA led to the conclusion that IL-l Ra is clinically effective and that it slows progression of bone damage as measured radiographically. Being a specific, selective inhibitor of the IL-l pathway, IL-l Ra could constitute an important new approach to treating patients with RA that significantly reduces the signs and symptoms of the disease, reduces joint destruction and up to now has proved Safe and well tolerated. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.