Kevzara (sarilumab) vs Truxima (rituximab)

Kevzara (sarilumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Truxima (rituximab), a biosimilar to Rituxan, is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody used for treating several conditions, including RA, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, often after other treatments have failed. While both medications can be used for RA, they operate through different mechanisms and may be chosen based on a patient's specific medical history, previous treatment responses, and the presence of any comorbid conditions. It is critical for a patient to consult with their healthcare provider to determine which medication is most appropriate for their individual condition.

Difference between Kevzara and Truxima

Metric	Kevzara (sarilumab)	Truxima (rituximab)
Generic name	Sarilumab	Rituximab
Indications	Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis	Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Microscopic polyangiitis
Mechanism of action	Interleukin-6 receptor antagonist	CD20-directed cytolytic antibody
Brand names	Kevzara	Truxima, Rituxan
Administrative route	Subcutaneous injection	Intravenous infusion
Side effects	Upper respiratory infections, Urinary tract infections, Injection site reactions, Increased liver enzymes, Neutropenia	Infusion reactions, Infections, Lymphopenia, Anemia, Neutropenia
Contraindications	Active, severe infection	Hepatitis B reactivation, Severe infections, Severe cardiac disease
Drug class	Immunosuppressive drug, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)	Monoclonal antibody, Antineoplastic agent, Immunomodulator
Manufacturer	Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals	Celltrion Healthcare, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Genentech (a member of the Roche Group)

Efficacy

Kevzara (Sarilumab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Kevzara, with the active ingredient sarilumab, is a human monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Sarilumab works by blocking the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, which plays a key role in the inflammatory process of RA. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Kevzara, particularly when combined with methotrexate, can reduce the signs and symptoms of RA, improve physical function, and inhibit the progression of joint damage.

The efficacy of Kevzara was established through several pivotal phase III clinical trials, including the MOBILITY and TARGET studies. These studies showed that patients treated with Kevzara experienced statistically significant improvements in both the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) response rates and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores compared to placebo. Additionally, radiographic progression of joint damage was significantly slowed in patients receiving Kevzara in combination with methotrexate.

Truxima (Rituximab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Truxima, a biosimilar to Rituxan (rituximab), is another medication used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapies. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes, cells that are implicated in the pathogenesis of RA. The administration of Truxima leads to the depletion of these B cells, which is thought to help reduce the inflammation and joint damage associated with RA.

The efficacy of rituximab for the treatment of RA has been demonstrated in several clinical trials, including the REFLEX and SERENE studies. These studies have shown that rituximab, in combination with methotrexate, can significantly reduce symptoms of RA as measured by ACR20 response rates, and improve physical function as assessed by HAQ-DI scores. Furthermore, rituximab has been shown to inhibit the progression of structural damage in patients with RA, as evidenced by radiographic analyses. Truxima, as a biosimilar, is expected to produce similar efficacy outcomes to those observed with the reference product, Rituxan.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Kevzara

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

Truxima

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Medsafe (NZ)

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