The latest treatment method with tocilizumab

Tocilizumab has a long duration of action. It is usually administered every 4 weeks and is used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease, giant cell arteritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to other functions, interleukin 6 (IL-6) is also involved in the occurrence of immune and inflammatory responses. Some autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are associated with abnormally high IL-6 levels. Tocilizumab binds to soluble and membrane-bound interleukin-6 receptors, preventing interleukin-6 from exerting its pro-inflammatory effects. It has been noted that membrane-bound and soluble forms of the IL-6 receptor may have different roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, with the soluble form being more involved in disease progression.