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Canakinumab for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever
1a Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine , Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University , Fatih , Istanbul , Turkey.
Introduction:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most frequent of all hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and serositis. If not treated it may be complicated with AA amyloidosis. It is caused by mutations in the MEFV gene that encodes pyrin which is involved in the regulation of IL-1β. The mainstay of treatment is colchicine, however a subset of patients requires an alternative treatment either due to inadequate response or intolerance. The accumulating data indicates that anti IL-1 drugs are effective in treating colchicine resistant FMF cases and improving their quality of life. Areas covered: This review focuses on canakinumab, a fully human anti IL-1β antibody, treatment in FMF. Expert commentary: Canakinumab became the first approved therapy by the Food and Drug Administration for FMF very recently, which highlights its importance as the alternative treatment in FMF.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory syndrome. Canakinumab, an anti-interleukin-1β drug, is a new FDA-approved therapy for FMF patients resistant to colchicine.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary autoinflammatory syndrome.
- Characterized by recurrent fever and serositis, FMF can lead to AA amyloidosis if untreated.
- MEFV gene mutations affecting IL-1β regulation cause FMF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and importance of canakinumab for FMF treatment.
- To highlight canakinumab as an alternative therapy for colchicine-resistant FMF.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulating data on anti-IL-1 drugs in FMF.
- Focus on canakinumab, a fully human anti-IL-1β antibody.
Main Results:
- Anti-IL-1 drugs demonstrate effectiveness in colchicine-resistant FMF.
- Canakinumab improves quality of life in FMF patients.
Conclusions:
- Canakinumab is the first FDA-approved therapy for FMF.
- Canakinumab represents a significant alternative treatment for FMF.
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