How Kevzara works

Kevzara is a brand (trade) name for sarilumab, a biologic that can be used to treat adults suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Kevzara (sarilumab) works by inhibiting the actions of a protein known as interleukin-6. IL-6 is an inflammatory cytokine that is involved in a variety of bodily processes, including inducing the production of C-reactive protein (CRP) by the liver. IL-6 plays a significant role in the symptoms of RA and PMR. It is abundant in RA patients' synovial fluid and serum, and levels of IL-6 are higher during periods of increased disease activity and joint destruction.

It also contributes to other RA symptoms like fatigue, anemia, and osteoporosis. In people with PMR, IL-6 levels are elevated, and high levels are associated with disease activity and systemic inflammation.

Kevzara is a type of biologic medication that belongs to the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonists (also known as IL-6 inhibitors) drug class.