Canakinumab

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.