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tocilizumab [RoActemra/Actemra]
Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, inhibiting the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway driven by IL-6.
Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, inhibiting the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway driven by IL-6. Used for Rheumatoid arthritis (moderate to severe), Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | tocilizumab [RoActemra/Actemra] |
|---|---|
| Also known as | RoActemra/Actemra, RoActemra, Actemra |
| Sponsor | Hoffmann-La Roche |
| Drug class | IL-6 receptor antagonist (monoclonal antibody) |
| Target | IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
IL-6 is a key cytokine in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By binding to both membrane-bound and soluble IL-6 receptors, tocilizumab prevents IL-6 from activating immune cells and promoting inflammation. This reduces the production of other inflammatory mediators and helps suppress the overactive immune response in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cytokine release syndrome.
Approved indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis (moderate to severe)
- Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease
- Giant cell arteritis
- Takayasu arteritis
- Cytokine release syndrome (CAR-T cell-induced)
Common side effects
- Infection (including serious infections)
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
- Hyperlipidemia
- Neutropenia
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Gastrointestinal perforation (rare)
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- tocilizumab [RoActemra/Actemra] CI brief — competitive landscape report
- tocilizumab [RoActemra/Actemra] updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hoffmann-La Roche portfolio CI