FDA Approved Tocilizumab Drug for Giant Cell Arteritis

Highlights:

Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disease that has limited treatment options mainly in the form of corticosteroids
The recent FDA approval for tocilizumab will provide an alternative treatment to several patients
The potential side effects of tocilizumab should be considered before prescribing

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the injectable drug tocilizumab for the treatment of giant cell arteritis, making it the first approved drug for this condition.

Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disease belonging to a group of conditions referred to as vasculitis. It affects medium and large blood vessels, mainly supplying to the head and neck region, thereby affecting blood flow through them. The temporal arteries, the arteries in the temple region on either side of the head, are commonly affected, resulting in a condition called temporal arteritis. Inflammation of the aorta, the largest artery of the body, can weaken its walls resulting in an aneurysm with possible devastating complications.

Tocilizumab For Giant Cell Arteritis Receives FDA Break Through Therapy Designation
FDA grants break through therapy designation for Roche’s Tocilizumab drug which is used in the treatment of Giant Cell Arthritis.

‘The recently FDA approved drug tocilizumab could provide relief to several patients suffering from giant cell arteritis’

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The symptoms of giant cell arteritis include throbbing headache, jaw pain while chewing and visual problems. Once the diagnosis is suspected, a biopsy of the temporal artery can confirm it.

Corticosteroids, which quell inflammation in several inflammatory disorders, are used to treat giant cell arteritis. They are associated with a lot of adverse effects, especially during long-term treatment, but have to be used in the absence of better alternatives.

The injectable drug tocilizumab, which was earlier approved for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, has now been approved for the treatment of giant cell arteritis in adults. It causes remission in several patients with giant cell arteritis, during which it relieves symptoms, normalizes the abnormal blood tests that indicate inflammation, and reduces the need for corticosteroids.

Giant Cell/Temporal Arteritis-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-Complications
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) or Temporal Arteritis is a condition where arteries those supplying to the head region get inflamed. The causes of Temporal Arteritis are not known.

It must however be noted that tocilizumab is not without side effects. It can predispose the development of serious bacterial, viral or fungal infections, as well as cause allergic reactions and reduced blood counts. It should be used with caution in patients with prior perforation of the digestive tract, since it can cause a repeat perforation. Patients should not receive treatment with live vaccines while taking tocilizumab.

Tolicizumab is administered via a subcutaneous injection for giant cell arteritis, wherein the drug is injected just below the skin. This could be a disadvantage, especially for people who do not prefer to take injections. Also, one must note that the intravenous administration has not yet been approved for giant cell arteritis.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Causes, Types, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis & Treatment
The dilatation and localized bulging of a part of aorta in the abdominal part of patient’s body owing to weakness of its walls is called abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Tolicizumab received breakthrough therapy status for giant cell arteritis last year, and with the quick approval coming this year, it is hoped that several people with giant cell arteritis with reap the benefit of this drug. The combination of the drug with corticosteroids is also being explored to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Reference:

FDA approves first drug to specifically treat giant cell arteritis - (https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm559791.htm)

About Vasculitis
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels of the body that can affect people of all ages; it is usually due to an autoimmune disorder

Source-Medindia