Sarilumab monotherapy more effective than adalimumab for RA patients, study finds

Active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients could benefit from sarilumab monotherapy more than adalimumab monotherapy, a Phase 3 study has revealed.

Tests by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals revealed that the sarilumab – an investigational, human IL-6 receptor antibody – was superior to adalimumab (marketed by AbbVie as HUMIRA) in reducing the symptoms of the condition by week 24.

Janet van Adelsberg, managing director, senior director of clinical sciences, immunology and inflammation at Regeneron, commented: "In this study, sarilumab monotherapy provided stronger efficacy than adalimumab monotherapy. Adalimumab is one of the most commonly used biologic medicines in RA.

She said this is the first time that an IL-6 receptor blocker delivered subcutaneously has demonstrated superiority over adalimumab monotherapy in RA.

Dr Simon Cooper of Sanofi added that a wide range of treatment options for RA patients are available, new therapies are needed to further address the unmet needs of some people.