Tocilizumab In Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Tocilizumab In Treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Shruti Deshpande*1, Yuvradhni Bharat2, Monika Waghmode3, Ambika Palve4, Prof. Randhawan B.B5

Students1,2,3,4 Assi. Professor5

Arihant College of Pharmacy, Kedgaon, Ahmednagar – 414005.

Abstract:

Large and medium-sized arteries are the main target of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a chronic vasculitis that frequently manifests as headache, blurred vision, and jaw claudication. An important treatment option for GCA is tocilizumab, an antagonist of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. A key player in the pathophysiology of GCA, IL-6 promotes vascular injury and systemic inflammation. When used with a glucocorticoid taper, tocilizumab dramatically increases sustained remission rates. It decreases cumulative glucocorticoid exposure when compared to glucocorticoid therapy alone, according to clinical trials, including the seminal GiACTA experiment. Though hazards including infection and hepatotoxicity need to be watched, tocilizumab has been linked to a good safety profile. Its application signals a change in GCA toward targeted immunotherapy, offering hope for improved disease Control and reduce steroid related complications.

Tocilizumab is a medication used in the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA). It's a monoclonal antibody that blocks the IL-6 receptor, helping to reduce inflammation.

Studies have shown that tocilizumab can effectively induce and maintain remission in patients with GCA, and it can also help reduce the need for corticosteroids.