Anakinra

Summary

Anakinra is a recombinant, nonglycosylated form of the human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). It inhibits the biologic activity of IL-1 by competitively inhibiting IL-1 binding to the interleukin-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI). IL-1 is induced in response to inflammatory stimuli and is an early mediator of inflammatory responses and the immune cascade. Upregulation of IL-1, in addition to systemic effects, is implicated in cartilage degradation via induction of rapid loss of proteoglycans, as well as stimulation of bone resorption.

Anakinra, although originally intended as a treatment for septic shock, was found to be efficacious in treatment of IL-1 mediated, systemic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. It has been licensed in the US for treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, in patients 18 years of age or older who have failed 1 or more disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Anakinra is contraindicated for concomitant use with TNF-blockers (e.g. adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab) due to significantly increased risk of infection.

Brand Name

Kineret

Other Names

None

Molecular Target

Interleukin-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI)

Molecular Structure

^{recombinant, nonglycosylated form of the human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)}

^{Licensed Indication, Major Target Diseases}

^{moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, in patients 18 years of age or older who have failed 1 or more disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.}

^{Manufacturer/Distributor}

^Amgen

^References