Products
Canakinumab is commercially available as a powder for solution for injection (Ilaris). It has been approved in many countries since 2009.
Structure and properties
Canakinumab is a recombinant human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody produced by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Canakinumab (ATC L04AC08) has anti-inflammatory properties. The effects are based on binding to interleukin-1β (IL-1β). This reduces the interaction with IL-1 receptors and the formation of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6. Canakinumab has a long duration of action due to its half-life of 26 days.
Indications
Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS):
- Familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome (FCAS).
- Familial cold urticaria (FCU).
- Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS)
- Multisystemic inflammatory disease with neonatal onset (NOMID).
- Chronic infantile neuro-dermo-articular syndrome (CINCA).
Active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis For symptomatic treatment of adult patients with frequent attacks of gout. Periodic fever syndromes (in the approval process, as of 2016).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include upper respiratory tract infections.
