Canakinumab
Canakinumab, sold under the brand name Ilaris, is a long-acting human monoclonal antibody that treats rare inflammatory disorders by target-blocking interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). [1, 2]
Mechanism of Action
- Target Specificity: Binds explicitly to human interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β).
- Pathway Inhibition: Blocks IL-1β from interacting with IL-1 receptors.
- Spares Alpha Pathway: Does not cross-react with interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α).
- Long Half-Life: Neutralises inflammation for 21 to 28 days per dose. [1, 2, 3]
Therapeutic Indications
- Periodic Fever Syndromes: Includes Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), and TRAPS.
- Still's Disease: Treats Adult-Onset Still's Disease (AOSD) and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA).
- Gout Flares: Prescribed for symptomatic management of acute gouty arthritis flares when other therapies fail. [1, 2, 3]
Administration & Dosage
- Delivery Route: Administered exclusively via subcutaneous injection.
- Fever Syndromes: Typically injected at 150 mg every 4 to 8 weeks.
- Juvenile Arthritis: Dosed at 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks up to a maximum of 300 mg.
- Gout Flares: Provided as a single injection at the time of a flare. [1, 2, 3]
Side Effects & Risks