Kevzara (sarilumab) vs Ilaris (canakinumab)

Kevzara (sarilumab) and Ilaris (canakinumab) are both biologic medications used to treat inflammatory conditions, but they target different molecules involved in the body's immune response. Kevzara is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, often used when there is an inadequate response to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In contrast, Ilaris is an interleukin-1β (IL-1β) blocker approved for several periodic fever syndromes, including Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), and for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), making the choice between the two dependent on the specific condition being treated and the individual patient's medical history.

Difference between Kevzara and Ilaris

Metric	Kevzara (sarilumab)	Ilaris (canakinumab)
Generic name	sarilumab	canakinumab
Indications	Rheumatoid arthritis	Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Adult-onset Still's disease, Familial Mediterranean fever, Hyper IgD syndrome, Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome
Mechanism of action	Interleukin-6 receptor antagonist	Interleukin-1 beta monoclonal antibody
Brand names	Kevzara	Ilaris
Administrative route	Subcutaneous injection	Subcutaneous injection
Side effects	Upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, injection site erythema, high blood pressure, liver enzyme elevations	Infections, vertigo, injection site reactions, weight gain, nausea
Contraindications	Known hypersensitivity to sarilumab or any of its excipients, active infection	Known hypersensitivity to canakinumab or any of its excipients, active infection
Drug class	Monoclonal antibody	Monoclonal antibody
Manufacturer	Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals	Novartis

Efficacy

Kevzara (Sarilumab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Kevzara (sarilumab) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist approved 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 activity of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the inflammatory process of RA. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Kevzara, particularly when combined with methotrexate, can reduce signs and symptoms of RA, improve physical function, and inhibit the progression of joint damage.

The efficacy of Kevzara in RA was established through multiple phase III clinical trials, including the MOBILITY and TARGET studies. In these trials, patients treated with Kevzara showed significant improvements in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, which measure the reduction of joint swelling and tenderness, compared to those who received placebo. Additionally, Kevzara has been shown to provide relief for patients who have not adequately responded to treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, offering an alternative for those with refractory RA.

Ilaris (Canakinumab) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ilaris (canakinumab) is a human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a cytokine that plays a role in the inflammatory response in RA. While Ilaris is primarily approved for the treatment of several rare auto-inflammatory syndromes, it has been investigated for off-label use in RA. Research suggests that canakinumab may reduce the inflammatory activity in RA by neutralizing IL-1β, thereby potentially improving symptoms and disease outcomes.

Although Ilaris is not specifically approved for the treatment of RA, clinical studies have explored its efficacy in this condition. The results have been mixed, with some studies indicating a potential benefit in reducing symptoms and signs of inflammation in patients with RA, while others have not shown a significant impact when compared to existing treatments. As such, the use of Ilaris for RA remains off-label, and further research may be necessary to fully understand its role and efficacy in the management of this chronic inflammatory disease.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Kevzara

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

Ilaris

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Kevzara or Ilaris today

If Kevzara or Ilaris are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

Buy Kevzara

Buy Ilaris

How it works

Make an enquiry

Choose the medicine you want to buy, answer a couple of questions, and upload your prescription to speed things up. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Breeze through the paperwork

We'll guide you through the required documents for importing unapproved medicine, ensuring you have all the necessary information.

Get a personalized quote

We’ll prepare a quote for you, including medicine costs and any shipping, administrative, or import fees that may apply.

Receive your medicine

Accept the quote and we’ll handle the rest - sourcing and safely delivering your medicine.

Some text on this page has been automatically generated. Speak to your physician before you start a new treatment or medication.

Let's talk

If you have any questions, call us or send us a message through WhatsApp or email: