EULAR 2017 IL6 Review

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EULAR 2017 

Conference Highlights 

Interleukin 6 Science 

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Chairman’s Welcome 

EULAR 2017 Conference Highlights 


Dear CSF Member, 

Thank you for your continued support of the Cytokine Signalling Forum. We are now in our fourth year, and continue to strive to bring 

you the most up-to-date and interesting data in cytokine signalling. To that end, I am delighted to share with you our pick of the EULAR 

highlights for 2017. We have identified the most interesting and impactful abstracts being presented at this year’s meeting on both cytokine 

signalling and IL-6. I have also selected my ‘Chairman’s picks’: those abstracts that I feel are the most significant at this year’s congress. 

Cytokine Signalling 

Again, this year there is an interesting range of both basic and clinical science. There are several baricitinib posters covering durability 

and maintenance of efficacy [FRI0096], switching to monotherapy [SAT0058], and dose reduction [SAT0072]. The possibility of an 

anti-inflammatory biomarker profile in patients treated with filgotinib monotherapy is examined [THU0182], and the results of the DARWIN-3 

open label extension study up to 144 weeks are presented in Thursday’s poster session and tour [THU0173]. 

Tofacitinib posters in RA concentrate on long-term safety and efficacy over eight years [THU0197] as well as an examination of 

cardiovascular risk factors [SAT0686], and safety and efficacy in patients with an inadequate response to conventional synthetic or biologic 

DMARDs [THU0185]. Real-world tofacitinib drug-retention data are also shared as a poster from the Swiss SCQM registry [THU0174]; 

and real-world tofacitinib monotherapy data from the US CORRONA registry as an oral presentation [OP0022]. Three further oral 

presentations on Thursday and Friday will share exciting new data from the Phase 3 tofacitinib studies in psoriatic arthritis [OP0202; 

OP0216] as well as long-term effectiveness of live zoster vaccine in patients with RA, subsequently treated with tofacitinib [OP0230]. 

IL-6 

Several abstracts showcase key data from the clinical programmes of sarilumab, sirukumab and tocilizumab. 

There are three key presentations on sarilumab, including patient-reported (PROs) from two Phase 3 studies in RA [FRI0240], and efficacy 

and patient-reported benefits of sarilumab monotherapy versus adalimumab monotherapy in the MONARCH study [SAT0202; OP0102]. 

Sirukimab posters focus on Phase 3 data in RA, with efficacy and safety from the SIRROUND-T study [FRI0214], analyses of health-related 

quality of life and work productivity from SIRROUND-D and -T, respectively [FRI0246; FRI0251], and an integrated safety analysis of the 

SIRROUND programme [SAT0194]. 

Tocilizumab oral presentations examine tapering and dose reduction strategies [OP0104] as well as the long-term safety profile seen in 

clinical trials and post-marketing populations [OP0105]. Tocilizumab posters look at real-world data, with clinical remission in the TOSPACE 

trial [SAT0183], and a pooled analysis of Phase 4 data across 22 countries [SAT0199]. 

The following pages provide an overview of these topics and highlight my ‘Chairman’s picks’. Once again, thank you for your support and 

I hope you enjoyed EULAR 2017! 

Yours, 

Prof. Iain McInnes



Highlights from EULAR 2017: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) 

During the EULAR 2017 annual meeting, many presentations and posters reported on 

IL-6 and related drugs. This document reviews the highlights. 

A separate highlights document covering cytokine signalling and related drugs is 

also available. 

Sarilumab 

Sarilumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the IL-6 receptor. There were 

several presentations showcasing Phase 3 data from the clinical trial programme in RA. 

Clinical efficacy 

Fleischmann, et al. shared the results of dose reduction in the EXTEND open-label 

extension study, where investigators could reduce sarilumab from 200 mg Q2W to 150 

mg Q2W in patients with absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥0.5–1.0 Giga/L, platelet 

count ≥50–100 Giga/L, or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥3–5-times the upper limit of 

normal (ULN). Dose reductions occurred in 66 patients, and most showed improvement 

in laboratory abnormalities and could continue treatment. Improvements in signs and 

symptoms of RA and physical function were maintained after dose reduction [SAT0212]. 

Burmester, et al. presented results from the Phase 3 MONARCH study of sarilumab 

versus adalimumab monotherapy. At Week 24, sarilumab was superior in change from 

baseline in DAS28-ESR, and sarilumab-treated patients achieved significantly higher rates 

of ACR20, health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) and clinical disease 

activity index (CDAI). Results were generally consistent across subgroups, although the 

magnitude of treatment effect for DAS28-ESR was greater in patients with lower body 

mass index (BMI) and higher baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) [SAT0202]. 

In a post hoc analysis, Genovese, et al. examined the association between clinical 

response, radiographic progression and functional response in the MOBILITY study. 

More sarilumab- than placebo-treated patients achieved remission or no x-ray 

progression. The authors also found that achieving low disease activity, remission, or 

absence of radiographic progression was associated with overall greater improvements 

in physical function [FRI0242].



Patient-reported outcomes 

Gossec, et al. presented details on the use of the RA impact of disease (RAID) scale 

in 2 Phase 3 trials. Sarilumab was superior to placebo and adalimumab at Weeks 12 

and 24 for RAID total score, and the effect of sarilumab was consistent across all 7 

individual RAID domains, except for sleep difficulties versus placebo in the TARGET trial. 

The effects of placebo were highest on pain; the effects of sarilumab were lowest on 

emotional well-being and coping. The authors concluded that sarilumab as monotherapy 

or in combination with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs 

(csDMARDs) reduced the impact of RA on patients’ lives to a greater extent than 

adalimumab monotherapy or placebo plus csDMARDs [FRI0240]. 

An oral presentation from Strand, et al. looked at patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the 

MONARCH study, which found that improvements from baseline to Week 24 were greater 

with sarilumab versus adalimumab across a number of PROs, including Patient Global 

Assessment of Disease Activity (PtGA), Pain, HAQ-DI, Morning Stiffness, RAID and the 

RA-specific Work Productivity Survey (WPS-RA) global scores [OP0102]. 

Safety 

In Burmester, et al., reported above, the incidence of AEs was similar in both groups, 

including infections and serious infections. The most common AEs were neutropenia and 

injection site erythema (sarilumab), and headache and worsening of RA (adalimumab) 

[SAT0202]. 

Gabay, et al. presented on the effects of sarilumab or adalimumab monotherapy on 

circulating biomarkers associated with acute-phase response, bone resorption, and 

cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients from MONARCH. A significant difference in RANKL 

was observed at Weeks 2 and 24: numerically, RANKL decreased after sarilumab and 

increased after adalimumab treatment. Significantly greater reductions in lipoprotein A, 

serum amyloid A (SAA), and CRP were observed at Weeks 12 and 24. The difference in 

osteoprotegerin between groups was significant at Week 2 only [FRI0227]. 

Basic science 

Damask, et al. collected DNA from patients in MOBILITY and found a strong association 

between rs6742078 and bilirubin levels in patients with RA treated with sarilumab – 

consistent with previous observations in tocilizumab-treated patients. The authors 

concluded that these findings suggest that sarilumab-related increases in bilirubin levels 

are likely benign and caused by common genetic variation in UGT1A1, and are not due to 

underlying liver injury [FRI0228].



Paccard, et al. compared gene expression patterns in circulating blood cells after 

treatment with sarilumab versus placebo in patients from MOBILITY and TARGET. 

They found that sarilumab may decrease thrombosis-related gene expression in 

circulating immune cells, but additional analysis of the serum levels of thrombosis risk 

proteins is needed to test the hypothesis that sarilumab treatment decreases levels of 

thrombosis risk factors [SAT0192]. 

Sirukumab 

Sirukumab is a selective, high-affinity human monoclonal antibody directed against the 

IL-6 cytokine. It is currently being developed for RA and other diseases. There was a 

focus on PROs and safety in the clinical development programme. 

Clinical efficacy 

Tanaka, et al. presented Week 52 results of the Phase 3 SIRROUND-T study in 878 

patients. Improvements were maintained through Week 52 with no dose response 

[FRI0214]. 

Patient-reported outcomes 

Strand, et al. performed a post hoc analysis looking at health-related quality of life 

(HRQoL) in 1670 patients in SIRROUND-D. At Week 24, sirukumab resulted in significantly 

greater mean improvements versus placebo in the 36-item Short Form Questionnaire 

(SF-36) physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) more than the minimal 

clinically important difference (MCID). Significantly greater proportions of patients also 

reported clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue with sirukumab versus placebo 

[FRI0246]. 

A second PRO poster from Strand, et al. focused on SIRROUND-D in TNF-IR patients. 

Sirukumab treatment resulted in greater and clinically meaningful improvements in HRQoL 

versus placebo, with results that met or exceeded population normative values. Similar 

results were seen for sirukumab at dosages of 50 mg Q4W and 100mg Q2W [SAT0182]. 

Tanaka, et al. reported improvements in work productivity and general health status in 

TNF-IR patients in the SIRROUND-T study. At Week 24, scores on the Work Limitations 

Questionnaire (WLQ), EQ-5D and health state scales improved significantly for sirukumab 

versus placebo. Improvements were maintained through Week 52 for both sirukumab 

doses [FRI0251].



A post hoc analysis by Sun, et al. examined the effect of sirukumab on depressive 

symptoms in SIRROUND-D and SIRROUND-T. At baseline, 19% and 22% of patients 

were classified as having prevalent depressed mood and anhedonia (PDMA) in the two 

studies, respectively. Sirukumab significantly improved depressive symptoms by Week 

8 in these patients, compared with placebo. Within the sirukumab group, the reduction 

in depressive symptoms remained significant after adjusting for changes in RA activity 

and in ACR50 non-responders at Week 8; differences in improvements between the 

sirukumab and placebo group reduced to trends. It is thought that anti-IL-6 treatment 

may help to alleviate depressive symptoms even after adjusting for changes in disease 

activity [THU0130]. 

Safety 

In the Phase 3 SIRROUND-T study presented by Tanaka, et al., AEs were reported for 

79.6% and 81.3% of patients in the combined sirukumab 50 mg Q4W and 100 mg 

Q2W groups, respectively, and SAEs for 14.2% and 13.2%, respectively, through Week 

52. Injection-site reactions and ALT increases were the most commonly reported AEs 

[FRI0214]. 

Takeuchi, et al. assessed the incidence of neutropenia from completed and ongoing 

SIRROUND clinical studies in 2926 patients. Across the Phase 3 studies, there was 

no dose effect of sirukumab on neutropenia, and the use of DMARDs did not have an 

apparent effect on neutropenia. The majority of Grade 4 neutropenia with sirukumab was 

not associated with infections [FRI0252]. 

An integrated safety analysis from Aletaha, et al. looked at data from 2926 sirukumab 

patients for up to 3.4 years in the Phase 3 SIRROUND trials. Up to Week 18 there were 

more AEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, and SAEs with sirukumab versus placebo, 

with cumulative rates of SAEs remaining constant over time. In general, no dose effect 

was observed in the 18-week or long-term analysis. Mortality and serious infections were 

similar across treatment groups through 18 weeks and in the long-term analysis. Rates 

of gastrointestinal perforations and malignancies were low and similar; major adverse 

cardiovascular event (MACE) rates were similar through 18 weeks, and numerically 

higher with sirukumab 50 mg Q4W versus sirukumab 100 mg Q2W over the long term 

[SAT0194].



Basic science 

Dasgupta, et al. gave an oral presentation on the effect of sirukumab plus methotrexate 

(MTX) on circulating biomarkers of joint destruction using serum samples from 200 

patients in SIRROUND-D. Overall, sirukumab 50 mg Q4W in combination with MTX 

inhibited radiographic progression and strongly inhibited biomarkers of joint and tissue 

destruction while enhancing markers of bone formation. The authors conclude these data 

suggest that sirukumab may actively suppress inflammatory pathways implicated in joint 

destruction in RA [OP0103]. 

Anaemia of chronic disease is common in RA and may be detrimental to QoL and longterm 

health. Loza, et al. conducted a post hoc analysis of haematology measures in 4 

Phase 3 studies, showing that sirukumab consistently reduced the prevalence of anemia 

to a greater extent than that observed for placebo. These effects were independent of the 

extent of improvement in RA disease activity, suggesting additional benefits of sirukumab 

beyond clinical response. The authors postulate that by inhibiting IL-6, sirukumab 

may decrease key iron-regulatory proteins and shift homeostasis towards an increase 

in the pool of iron available for red blood cells, thus ameliorating anaemia of chronic 

inflammation [FRI0243]. 

Tocilizumab 

As in previous years, there continued to be large numbers of presentations on the IL-6R 

inhibitor tocilizumab, with a focus on real-world data in RA, as well as efficacy data in 

new indications. 

Clinical efficacy in RA 

Choy, et al. performed a pooled analysis of Phase 4 studies in 1804 patients to evaluate 

the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous tocilizumab 162 mg QW as monotherapy 

or in combination with csDMARDs. Subcutaneous administration demonstrated 

convincing and comparable efficacy compared to mono- and combination therapy 

previously observed with intravenous administration of tocilizumab. The safety profile of 

subcutaneous tocilizumab was consistent with the known safety profile [SAT0199]. 

In a publication-only abstract, Fautrel, et al. presented the 24-week results of TOSCA, 

a Phase 3b study in France also looking at subcutaneous administration in 139 patients. 

At 6 months, subcutaneous tocilizumab demonstrated comparable efficacy, safety and 

steroid-sparing results in mono- and combination therapy, consistent with the known 

profile of intravenous tocilizumab [AB0395].



Mueller, et al. presented a sub-analysis of ACT-SURE study, looking at 107 patients 

treated with tocilizumab. No differences in ACR20/50/70/90 response rates were 

observed between monotherapy or combination therapy groups at Week 24. The median 

time to low disease activity was significantly shorter in patients treated with combination 

therapy than monotherapy [FRI0247]. 

Patient-reported outcomes in RA 

PROs from BREVACTA and SUMMACTA were investigated by Strand, et al. In BREVACTA, 

significantly more patients who received subcutaneous tocilizumab reported scores 

greater than MCID for all PROs at Week 12 compared with those receiving placebo. In 

SUMMACTA, similar proportions of patients who received subcutaneous or intravenous 

tocilizumab reported scores greater than the MCID in all PROs at Week 24. The proportion 

of patients who reported scores greater than normative values was comparable between 

the subcutaneous or intravenous groups across all PROs [FRI0253]. 

Teitsma, et al. reported on QoL from the U-ACT-EARLY trial in 317 patients, finding 

significantly greater improvements in PCS over time in patients initiating treatment with 

tocilizumab. For the SF-36 MCS, no significant differences over time were noted between 

the treatment arms. A significantly higher proportion of patients initiating treatment 

with tocilizumab achieved greater than MCID in SF-36 PCS at Week 12 and Week 

52 compared with those initiating treatment with MTX: 76%/89% and 73%/89% for 

tocilizumab alone and in combination with MTX versus 59%/73% for MTX alone at Weeks 

12/52, respectively [SAT0218]. 

Caetano, et al. evaluated the relationship between PROs and fatigue in 18 patients, and 

whether fatigue influences disease remission definition in patients with RA treated with 

tocilizumab. According to DAS28-CRP, 44% of patients were in remission, 22% had 

low disease activity and 33% had moderate activity. ACR/EULAR Boolean criteria for 

remission were fulfilled by 17% of patients; patient global assessment (PGA) was the only 

reason for not achieving remission in 56%. In all patients, PGA correlated with higher 

fatigue scores, and in the group of patients not fulfilling Boolean remission, a similar 

correlation between PGA and higher fatigues scores was found. In the sub-group of 

patients in which PGA was the only factor for not achieving Boolean remission, there was 

a significant correlation between PGA and fatigue scores that was not present in the other 

patients [AB0238].



Factors influencing the prescription of tocilizumab alone or in combination with DMARDs 

in a real-life setting were examined in a pooled analysis of 3 observational studies by 

Saraux, et al. 1494 patients were analysed at inclusion. Tocilizumab was initiated as 

monotherapy in 36.4% and as combination therapy in 63.6%. Variables associated with a 

monotherapy prescription were age ≥65 years, number of previous bDMARDs, use/dose 

of steroids, ESR/CRP values, VAS global activity (physician and patient), pain VAS and 

HAQ-DI [SAT0189]. 

Clinical efficacy in polymyalgia rheumatica 

Ueno, et al. presented the results of tocilizumab therapy in nine patients with polymyalgia 

rheumatic (PMR) who were resistant or intolerant to glucocorticoids and MTX. 

After treatment with tocilizumab, five patients were able to discontinue glucocorticoids, 

and four were able to withdraw MTX. Drug-free remission was achieved by two patients, 

suggesting tocilizumab may be an option in patients with severe PMR resistant to current 

therapies [FRI0313]. 

In a publication-only abstract, Amano, et al. also looked at tocilizumab in PMR, examining 

monotherapy in 13 patients. Tocilizumab was effective in nine patients, although 

response was not as rapid as that seen with glucocorticoids. The authors conclude that 

tocilizumab monotherapy may be a good alternative for elderly PMR patients with various 

comorbidities [AB0984]. 

Clinical efficacy in giant cell arteritis 

Domínguez-Casas, et al. assessed clinical efficacy in 31 patients with giant cell arteritis 

(GCA) in a retrospective multi-centre open-label study. The authors reported rapid and 

sustained improvement in patients with refractory GCA and/or with unacceptable side 

effects related to corticosteroids [FRI0336]. 

Clinical efficacy in juvenile localised scleroderma 

A poster presentation from Foeldvari, et al. assessed the efficacy of tocilizumab in 

11 patients with juvenile localised scleroderma (jlSc) with non- or partial response to 

conventional therapy. Therapy success was reflected by a decreased Modified Localised 

Scleroderma Skin Severity Index (mLoSSI) in eight patients, and a decrease in the 

Localised Scleroderma Skin Damage Index (LoSDI) in 6. No new lesions occurred during 

treatment and no increase in the facial atrophy occurred in patients with Parry Romerg 

subtype [THU0511].



Clinical efficacy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis 

Mallalieu, et al. examined the use of 12 mg/kg tocilizumab for 11 patients under the age 

of 2 with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Drug exposure fell within the range 

of the previous trial in sJIA patients over the age of 2 years. The authors concluded that 

this study provides evidence that tocilizumab is effective in this patient group, and has a 

similar AE safety profile, although there was a higher incidence of serious hypersensitivity 

events and suspected macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). [OP0197]. 

Reaults from a study of subcutaneous tocilizumab in 52 patients with polyarticularcourse 

JIA (pcJIA) was presented in a poster by De Benedetti, et al. JADAS-71 generally 

improved, with trends consistent with those for intravenous tocilizumab. Infections were 

the most common AE, reported in 36 patients, and 2 serious infections occurred in one 

patient. Injection-site reactions occurred in 15% of patients weighing less than 30 kg, 

and in 44% of those weighing over 30 kg [THU0503]. 

Clinical efficacy in uveitis 

Vegas-Revenga, et al. presented two posters on the clinical efficacy of tocilizumab in 

uveitis. The first looked at 25 patients with uveitis associated with JIA. All outcome 

variables showed rapid and sustained improvement after follow-up of up to 3 years, 

and a reduction in prednisone dose was observed. Main AEs were severe autoimmune 

thrombocytopenia, autoimmune anaemia and thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, viral 

conjunctivitis and bullous impetigo (one patient each) [THU0526]. 

The second poster examined the use of tocilizumab in 25 patients with refractory and 

severe uveitic cystoid macular oedema. Tocilizumab provided rapid efficacy, with no side 

effects after 1 month of treatment [THU0567]. 

Clinical efficacy in Still’s disease 

Kondo, et al. presented 52-week data from a single-centre open-label study of 

tocilizumab in seven patients with adult-onset Still’s disease. White blood cell counts, 

CRP and serum ferritin level decreased significantly at Month 7, and fever, arthralgia 

and eruption were improved. Five patients completed the 7-month course and had no 

symptoms at Month 7. There were no SAEs during the trial [THU0577]. 

Structural efficacy in RA 

Möller, et al. shared results from the 285 patients in the ACT-RAY trial. They found that 

anaemia at baseline was a strong predictor of radiographic progression. Furthermore, in 

contrast to DAS28, anaemia remained a significant predictor of modified Total Sharp 

Score (mTSS) for up to 2 years on tocilizumab [FRI0225].



In a 2-year follow-up of a registry study, Kanayama, et al. showed that tocilizumab can 

suppress the radiographic progression of cervical lesions in patients with RA [FRI0254]. 

Structural efficacy in osteoarthritis 

Huerta, et al. reported on the use of tocilizumab for erosive osteoarthritis of the hands in 

24 patients that showed improvements in pain, morning stiffness and functional limitation. 

Laboratory results also showed decreased ESR, CRP, and IL-6 levels. The authors 

concluded that intravenous tocilizumab may be useful to control clinical manifestations of 

erosive osteoarthritis of the hands, although more precise studies are needed to evaluate 

the improvement of the cartilaginous matrix [SAT0524]. 

Safety in RA 

Mohan, et al. gave an oral presentation reviewing long-term safety data from completed 

clinical trials and the post-marketing safety database. In 7647 tocilizumab-treated 

patients with RA from clinical trials – constituting 22 394 patient-years of exposure – 

the overall rate of SAEs was 14.16 per 100 patient-years. In the global post-marketing 

population of 606 937 patients, the overall spontaneous reporting rate of AEs of special 

interest was 9.37 cases per 100 patients, consistent in each 6-month period over the 

7-year duration [OP0105]. 

The incidence of melanoma in tocilizumab was investigated by Gale, et al. In the clinical 

trial setting, 4 qualifying cases were identified among 7093 patients with RA treated with 

tocilizumab, giving a standardised incidence ratio (SIR) comparable to that of the general 

population. In the post-marketing setting, the number of observed reports of melanoma 

was comparable to the expected number of cases in Europe and Japan, and fewer than 

expected in North America. The exception was Australia, where the SIR indicated more 

than the expected number of cases compared with the general population in that region 

[FRI0248]. 

Specker, et al. used data from ICHIBAN to characterise the occurrence of anaemia in 

patients with RA treated with tocilizumab. As early as 4 weeks’ treatment, the proportion 

of patients with anaemia improved to 12.1% (men) and 12.7% (women); after 104 weeks, 

there were further reductions to 7.4% (men) and 8.4% (women) [SAT0193]. 

Fernández-Díaz, et al. looked at 12 patients with interstitial lung disease related to RA. 

Tocilizumab was prescribed as monotherapy (n=8) or in combination with other DMARDs 

(n=4). They found that dyspnea and pulmonary involvement remained stable in many 

patients [THU0134].



Byrne, et al. reported on the discontinuation rates for tocilizumab at one teaching hospital 

in the UK. Of 132 patients, one-third discontinued: five due to primary and 10 due to 

secondary inefficacy, and 27 due to AEs, including 8 cases of recurrent infections, 

5 abnormal LFT results, 4 malignancies and 3 cases of rash. A logistic regression model, 

including gender, smoking status, disease duration, DMARD use, steroid treatment and 

number of prior bDMARDS was constructed to examine association with treatment 

discontinuation. Of these factors, disease duration and number of previous bDMARDS 

were weakly associated with persistence of tocilizumab; there was no association of 

concomitant DMARD or steroid treatment with discontinuation either due to lack of 

efficacy or AEs. There were no cases of infusion reaction, diverticular perforation or 

reactivation of tuberculosis [SAT0198]. 

In a publication-only abstract, Talotta, et al. reported a small case series of five patients 

with RA with evident worsening of subcutaneous nodulosis during treatment with 

intravenous tocilizumab. [AB0413]. 

Real-world efficacy in RA 

In a publication-only abstract, Harrold, et al. discussed the comparative effectiveness 

of tocilizumab monotherapy compared to TNFi in combination with varying doses of 

MTX in patients with RA enroled in the CORRONA registry. They found that tocilizumab 

monotherapy was as effective as TNFi plus MTX, regardless of MTX dose, for improving 

disease activity in patients with prior TNFi exposure. These data suggest that tocilizumab 

monotherapy is an effective treatment option for patients with RA who cannot tolerate or 

prefer not to use MTX [AB0407]. 

Frisell, et al. compared effectiveness of abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab and TNFi in 

ARTIS. Tocilizumab was prescribed as first bDMARD in 202 patients, and as switch from 

TNFi in 320. Despite channelling of older and sicker individuals to non-TNFi bDMARDs, 

treatment outcomes were in general better in these groups, particularly for tocilizumab 

and rituximab. In interpreting this, the authors note that the risk of residual confounding 

should be remembered, and that this study did not include safety or long-term outcomes 

[FRI0213]. 

Data from the LOHREN registry were also presented. Favalli, et al. showed comparative 

efficacy and retention rates of first-line tocilizumab or TNFi used in combination with MTX. 

Of 591 patients, 61 received tocilizumab. No significant differences emerged in the 6- or 

12-month retention rates. Clinical remission was achieved in 59% of tocilizumab-treated 

patients versus 33% for TNFi [FRI0215].



Specker, et al. performed an interim analysis of ICHBAN, a German non-interventional 

study, to assess the effectiveness of intravenous tocilizumab with respect to smoking 

status. Tocilizumab treatment over 2 years resulted in improvements in all disease activity 

parameters. Contrary to the experience with csDMARDs and TNFi, smokers appear to 

benefit from tocilizumab to the same extent as non- and ex-smokers [AB0396]. 

Nakabo, et al. looked at clinical remission in 400 patients. Use of ultrasound revealed 

that clinical remission can be overestimated by using criteria based on baseline simplified 

disease activity index (SDAI) or DAS28-ESR. They concluded that, for patients receiving 

tocilizumab, CDAI-based criteria for clinical remission are more reliable than other 

measures [FRI0673]. 

Real-life efficacy and safety were also evaluated by Pomponio, et al. In 100 patients, 

tocilizumab was found to be effective and well tolerated. There were no unexpected AEs. 

The authors also found that the retention rate was not affected by the administration 

route, and that many real-life patients can safely shift across different administration 

modalities [AB0400]. 

Hara, et al. studied the use of residual Power Doppler (PD) signals for assessing synovitis 

in 

CRP-negative patients with RA treated with bDMARDs. They found that patients 

who achieved clinical remission had residual PD signals. Furthermore, patients with 

tocilizumab-induced remission had more residual PD signals compared with TNFi- or 

abatacept-induced remission. They suggest that more strict criteria of clinical remission 

may reduce residual PD signals in patients treated with tocilizumab [SAT0083]. 

A prospective, observational, single-centre study by Ruiz-Esquide, et al. looked at 

therapeutic drug monitoring in tocilizumab patients. The authors found that tocilizumab 

serum concentrations do not differ between 8- or 6 mg/kg regimens. Therefore, they 

suggest a maintenance dose of 

6 mg/kg would be appropriate for most patients with RA [SAT0184]. 

Kunishita, et al. reviewed 92 patients from a single centre to compare continuation rates 

of tocilizumab and identify predictive factors for good response. They found that patients 

with RA who achieved a good response at 6 months showed higher continuation rates 

than others. This study also suggested that low usage of previous bDMARDs and low 

CDAI at baseline are predictive factors for good response [AB0416].



Retention was also reviewed by Lauper, et al. on behalf of the TOCCERA collaboration. 

Of 4748 bDMARD eligible-patients, 585 received tocilizumab monotherapy and 4163 

received TNFi combination therapy. Patients who received tocilizumab monotherapy 

were older and had longer disease duration, more previous bDMARDs and less 

glucocorticosteroid use at baseline. Crude median retention for tocilizumab monotherapy 

was 1.82 years compared with 1.54 years for TNFi combination. Reasons for discontinuation 

differed: tocilizumab monotherapy was stopped more frequently for ineffectiveness, and 

TNFi combination was stopped more frequently for safety issues [SAT0206]. 

Kikuchi, et al. compared retention rates in 68 elderly patients with RA who cannot tolerate 

MTX. Cumulative retention rates were 0.699 and 0.699 for abatacept, 0.450 and 0.315 

for etanercept, and 0.433 and 0.325 for tocilizumab at 12 and 24 months, respectively. 

The authors conclude that abatacept can be used for a period longer than etanercept or 

tocilizumab for elderly patients who cannot be treated with methotrexate [FRI0233]. 

An abstract from Ifticene, et al. looked at steroid-sparing in 26 patients with RA from a 

hospital in Algeria, showing that stopping prednisone was possible in 50% of patients 

after 1 year of therapy [AB0409]. 

Real-world administration and dose spacing in RA 

Uda, et al. performed a retrospective observational study to examine interval spacing 

in patients with previous good response at 4-week intervals. In 120 patients moved to 

6-week intervals, the majority maintained low disease activity. [SAT0203]. 

Clinical remission was also reviewed in the real-world TOSPACE study by Sanmarti, 

et al. Of 401 patients included, 74 received subcutaneous tocilizumab monotherapy, 

and 327 received subcutaneous tocilizumab in combination with MTX or other 

csDMARDs. Sustained clinical remission rates were comparable between the monoand 

combination-therapy groups at 24 weeks. Of the 179 patients who achieved 

sustained clinical remission during the first phase, 89 were randomly assigned to receive 

subcutaneous tocilizumab 162 mg QW and 90 to receive subcutaneous tocilizumab 162 

mg Q2W; at Week 48, remission was maintained in 91.5% and 73.9%, respectively. Rates 

of AEs and SAEs leading to drug discontinuation were similar in treated monotherapy or 

combination therapy, and in patients treated with QW or Q2W dosing [SAT0183]. 

Urata, et al. examined dose reduction and interval spacing in 55 patients with a twin 

target strategy (targeting both a SDAI



Ito, et al. also analysed the effect of increased spacing time for intravenous administration 

of tocilizumab in 63 patients with RA. The intervals between administrations were 4–10 

weeks. Tender joint count, swollen joint count, ESR, CRP, MMP-3, DAS28-ESR, SDAI 

and CDAI were significantly improved. Additionally, tocilizumab was able to reduce use 

of prednisolone and MTX even after spacing. The authors note that MMP-3 might be a 

useful marker to decide the spacing period [SAT0214]. 

In a retrospective study of 200 patients, Joffres, et al. evaluated switching from 

intravenous to subcutaneous administration of tocilizumab. At the next visit after the 

prescription of subcutaneous treatment, 89% had stayed on treatment. Efficacy was 

maintained, and there were no new cases of neutropenia [AB0406]. 

Real-world efficacy in JIA 

Glazyrina, et al. presented the experience of tocilizumab in the treatment of 18 children 

with JIA at one hospital in Russia. During therapy, a decrease in disease activity was 

observed in all patients. Clinical disease remission was observed in 11 patients after 

6–9 months of treatment. Tocilizumab was well-tolerated, with AEs in only one patient 

(allergic skin reaction). Three patients were able to discontinue the drug due to longterm 

remission (3–4 years), although therapy was resumed after 1 year in two patients 

[AB0952]. 

Oshlyanska, et al. performed a retrospective analysis to clarify the impact of tocilizumab 

on the course of JIA. Of 117 children with JIA, they identified 11 who had received 

tocilizumab. All patients received corticosteroid therapy before initiating tocilizumab, and 

2–4 high-dose DMARDs; two patients also received adalimumab prior to tocilizumab 

treatment. After 6 months, ESR and CRP normalised, although IL-6 remained high in 36% 

of patients [AB0964]. 

Basic science 

Blas, et al. reported on a comparative study of IL-6 production and MMP-9 activity 

in fibroblast-like synoviocytes stimulated with synovial fluid from patients with 

osteoarthritis, RA or spondyloarthritis. They concluded that the synovial fluid of patients 

with inflammatory arthritis recreates a differential microenvironment for fibroblast-like 

synoviocytes that impacts on early phenotypic changes of these cells. The IL-6 provokes 

augmented and persistent MMP-9 activity in fibroblast-like synoviocytes stimulated with 

synovial fluid from RA or spondyloarthritis. The work identified tocilizumab as an inhibitor 

of all forms of MMP-9 [AB0051].



A poster from Moura, et al. assessed the effect of TNFi and tocilizumab on B-cell 

phenotype and gene expression in RA. They reported that the frequency of total CD19+ 

B-cells in circulation was similar between controls and all RA groups, irrespective of 

treatment, but double negative IgD-CD27- memory B-cells were significantly increased 

in early and established RA when compared with controls. Treatment with TNFi and 

tocilizumab restored the frequency of IgD-CD27- B-cells to normal levels, but did not 

affect other B-cell subpopulations. TACI, CD95, CD5, HLA-DR and TLR9 expression 

on B-cells significantly increased after treatment with either TNF-inhibitors and/or 

tocilizumab, but no significant changes were observed in BAFF-R, BCMA, CD69, CD86, 

CXCR5, CD23, CD38 and IgM expression on B-cells when comparing baseline with posttreatment 

follow-ups [SAT0170]. 

Li, et al. studied the influence of tocilizumab on lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin 

and biochemical indicators of sJIA. After 12 weeks, the proportions of CD4 + T, CD19 + 

B cells in the tocilizumab group were lower than baseline; CD8 and CD3 + T cells were 

increased in comparing with baseline. There was no significant change in CD16 + 56-NK 

cells, and immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA were lower than baseline [AB0401]. 

Sheng-Xiao, et al. discussed the influence of a combination of IL-2 and tocilizumab on 

T cell subgroups and its clinical efficacy and safety in 50 refractory patients with RA with 

low Treg cells. They concluded that this combination selectively stimulate Treg cells and 

induce autoimmune tolerance, helping to achieve rapid remission without over treatment 

[SAT0181]. 

A poster from Chapman, et al. looked at the effects of tocilizumab on myostatin 

in 19 patients with RA in the 52-week ACT-NEUT study. Baseline serum myostatin 

concentrations were negatively correlated with baseline DAS28. Treatment with 

tocilizumab for 6 months resulted in a significant increase in serum myostatin. 

Furthermore, a significant association was seen between baseline myostatin and change 

in cholesterol at 3 months, when adjusting for baseline cholesterol, age, gender, BMI and 

change in BMI [SAT0209]. 

Vobarilizumab 

Vobarilizumab is a nanobody ® consisting of an anti-IL-6 receptor domain and an antihuman 

serum albumin domain. It is currently in development for the treatment of RA.



Clinical efficacy in RA 

Dörner, et al. presented the results of a Phase 2b study in 251 patients with RA. Patients 

were randomized to receive one of three blinded doses of vobarilizumab or open-label 

tocilizumab. At Week 12, 73–81% of patients assigned to vobarilizumab achieved ACR20 

response; ACR50 and ACR70 were 37–49% and 16–24%, respectively. At the end of 

the 12-week treatment period, clinically meaningful improvement in HAQ-DI scores 

and remission based on DAS28CRP and DAS28ESR was observed in a substantial 

number of patients treated with vobarilizumab. Similar efficacy results were obtained for 

vobarilizumab and open-label tocilizumab [FRI0239]. 

In an oral presentation, Dörner, et al. showcased the remission and maintenance of efficacy 

in 345 patients. At Week 24, up to 61% and 45% of the patients in the vobarilizumab groups 

achieved ACR50 or ACR70, respectively (39% and 17% on placebo). Sustained remission, 

defined by DAS28CRP



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• Gossec L, Strand V, Proudfoot C, et al. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) IMPACT FOLLOWING TREATMENT WITH 

SARILUMAB: PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES USING THE RAID SCALE FROM TWO RANDOMIZED PHASE III 

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• Hara Y, Ishida Y, Yamaguchi Y, et al. TOCILIZUMAB INDUCED CLINICAL REMISSION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 

HAD MORE RESIDUAL DOPPLER SIGNALS IN COMPARISON WITH OTHER BIOLOGICS. Presented at: EULAR; 

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• Harrold LR, Reed GW, Best J, et al. COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF TOCILIZUMAB (TCZ) MONOTHERAPY 

WITH TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR INHIBITORS (TNFI) IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING DOSES OF 

METHOTREXATE (MTX) IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, 


• Ifticene MA, Hafirassou H, Benaziez R, et al. CORTICOSTEROID-SPARING IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID 

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• Ito S, Kobayashi D, Takai C, et al. AN ANALYSIS OF INCREASING SPACING TIME FOR THE INTRAVENOUS 

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• Joffres L, Ricard E, Pereira Gillon C, et al. STABLE EFFICACY AND SAFETY AFTER SWITCHING FROM 

TOCILIZUMAB INTRAVENOUS TO SUBCUTANEOUS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS : RESULTS OF A COHORT OF 

200 PATIENTS. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract AB0406.



• Kanayama Y, Kojima T, Hirano Y, et al. EFFICACY OF TOCILIZUMAB FOR SUPPRESSING RADIOGRAPHIC 

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METHOTREXATE TREATMENT ; TWO YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP ~A MULTICENTER REGISTRY STUDY ~. Presented 

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• Kikuchi E, Aoki N, Yoshioka T, Okai T. THE RETENTION RATES OF ABATACEPT IN ELDERLY RA PATIENTS (65 

YEARS AND ABOVE) WHO CANNOT BE TREATED WITH METHOTREXATE: COMPARISON WITH ETANERCEPT 

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• Kondo T, Okada Y, Shibata A, et al. TOCILIZUMAB MONOTHERAPY FOR ADULT ONSET STILL’S DISEASE ~ 

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• Kunishita Y, Yoshimi R, Nagai H, et al. WHICH FACTORS PREDICT THE RESPONSIVENESS TO TOCILIZUMAB IN 

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS? THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE USAGE AS THE FIRST BIOLOGIC AND AS THE 

SECOND BIOLOGIC. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract AB0416. 

• Lauper K, Nordström DC, Pavelka K, et al. RETENTION OF TOCILIZUMAB AS MONOTHERAPY VERSUS TNF 

INHIBITORS WITH CONVENTIONAL SYNTHETIC DMARDS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS WITH 

INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO TNF INHIBITORS: A STUDY FROM THE TOCERRA COLLABORATION. Presented at: 

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• Li H, Zeng H. THE EFFICENT REGULATION OF TOCILIZUMAB FOR THE EXPRESSION OF CD4+/CD8+ T/CD19 + 

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• Loza M, Campbell K, Sweet K, et al. SIRUKUMAB TREATMENT REDUCES LEVELS OF IRON-REGULATORY 

PROTEINS AND AMELIORATES INFLAMMATION-ASSOCIATED ANEMIA IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS. 

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• Mohan S, Michalska M, Yourish J, et al. LONG-TERM SAFETY OF TOCILIZUMAB FROM LARGE CLINICAL TRIAL 

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• Möller B, Scholz G, Dougados M, et al. ANEMIA IS A BETTER PREDICTOR FOR RADIOGRAPHIC DAMAGE IN 

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– A SECONDARY ANALYSIS FROM THE ACT-RAY TRIAL. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. 

Abstract FRI0225. 

• Moura RA, Quaresma C, Vieira AR, et al. B-CELL PHENOTYPE AND IGD-CD27- MEMORY B CELLS ARE 

AFFECTED BY TNF-INHIBITORS AND TOCILIZUMAB TREATMENT IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Presented at: 


• Mueller R, Graninger W, Sidiropoulos P, et al. MEDIAN TIME TO LOW DISEASE ACTIVITY IS SHORTER IN 

TOCILIZUMAB COMBINATION THERAPY WITH CSDMARDS AS COMPARED TO MONOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS 

WITH ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND INADEQUATE RESPONSES TO CSDMARDS AND/OR TNF 

INHIBITORS: SUBANALYSIS OF THE SWISS AND AUSTRIAN PATIENTS FROM THE ACT-SURE STUDY. Presented 

at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract FRI0247. 

• Nakabo S, Tsuji Y, Inagaki M, et al. CLINICAL REMISSION IN TOCILIZUMAB-USING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 

PATIENTS CAN BE OVERESTIMATED: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY USING ULTRASOUND SONOGRAPHY. 

Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract FRI0673. 

• Oshlyanska OA, Artsymovych AG. SOME PECULARITIES OF THE COURSE OF JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS 

IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH TOCILIZUMAB. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract 

AB0964. 

• Paccard C, Msihid J, Brisacier A, et al. SARILUMAB SUPPRESSES THROMBOSIS-RELATED GENE EXPRESSION 

IN CIRCULATING BLOOD CELLS IN MTX-IR AND TNF-IR PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. 

Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0192.



• Pomponio G, Tontini C, Angeletti A, et al. EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF INTRAVENOUS AND SUBCUTANEOUS 

TOCILIZUMAB IN A COHORT OF PATIENTS AFFECTED BY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN REAL-LIFE. Presented at: 

EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract AB0400. 

• Ruiz-Esquide V, Bastida C, Pascal M, et al. THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 

PATIENTS WITH REDUCED DOSES OF INTRAVENOUS TOCILIZUMAB. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, 

Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0184. 

• Sánchez Huerta JMN, Gálvez-Romero JL, López-Rodriguez W, López A. UTILITY OF TOCILIZUMAB IN CLINICAL 

MANIFESTATIONS OF EROSIVE OSTEOARTHROSIS OF HANDS; REGIONAL HOSPITAL ISSSTE PUEBLA, 

MÉXICO. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0524. 

• Sanmarti R, Martín Mola E, Fonseca JE, et al. CLINICAL REMISSION IN SUBJECTS WITH RHEUMATOID 

ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH SUBCUTANEOUS TOCILIZUMAB AS MONOTHERAPY OR IN COMBINATION WITH 

METHOTREXATE OR OTHER SYNTHETIC DMARDS: A REAL-WORLD CLINICAL TRIAL (TOSPACE). Presented at: 


• Saraux A, Cantagrel A, Combe B, et al. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRESCRIPTION OF TOCILIZUMAB ALONE 

OR IN COMBINATION WITH DMARDS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN A REAL LIFE SETTING. POOLED 

ANALYSIS OF 3 OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0189. 

• Sheng-Xiao Z, Xiao-Wen M, Xiao-Qing L, et al. LOW DOSE INTERLEUKIN-2 COMBINED WITH TOCILIZUMAB 

SELECTIVELY INCREASES REGULATORY T CELLS HELPING REFRACTORY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS 

ACHIEVE REMISSION MORE RAPIDLY. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0181. 

• Specker C, Kellner H, Kästner P, et al. RA PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY ANEMIA BENEFIT FROM INCREASED 

HEMOGLOBIN AND DECREASED FATIGUE UNDER TOCILIZUMAB THERAPY. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 

2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0193. 

• Specker C, Kellner H, Kästner P, et al. TOCILIZUMAB I.V. EFFECTIVENESS IN RA PATIENTS IS INDEPENDENT OF 

SMOKING STATUS. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract AB0396. 

• Strand V, Ganguly R, Li N, McQuarrie K. SIRUKUMAB LEADS TO SIGNIFICANT AND CLINICALLY MEANINGFUL 

IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE THAT MEET OR EXCEED NORMATIVE VALUES IN 

PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS REFRACTORY TO TNF INHIBITORS IN POST HOC ANALYSES OF A 

PHASE 3 TRIAL. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0182. 

• Strand V, Gossec L, Proudfoot C, et al. PATIENT REPORTED BENEFITS OF SARILUMAB MONOTHERAPY VERSUS 

ADALIMUMAB MONOTHERAPY IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Presented at: 

EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract OP0102. 

• Strand V, Lampl K, Birchwood C, et al. PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID 

ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH SUBCUTANEOUS TOCILIZUMAB COMPARED WITH PLACEBO OR INTRAVENOUS 

TOCILIZUMAB IN COMBINATION WITH CSDMARDS. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. 


• Strand V, McQuarrie K, Li N, et al. IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE WITH SIRUKUMAB 

ARE STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, CLINICALLY MEANINGFUL, AND MEET OR EXCEED NORMATIVE VALUES IN 

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC 

DRUGS: POST HOC ANALYSES OF A PHASE 3 TRIAL. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. 


• Sun Y, Hsu B, Wang D, et al. IMPROVEMENT IN MEASURES OF DEPRESSED MOOD AND ANHEDONIA IN TWO 

RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED PHASE III STUDIES OF SIRUKUMAB, A HUMAN ANTI-INTERLEUKIN-6 

ANTIBODY, IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. 

Abstract THU0130. 

• Takeuchi T, Tanaka Y, Schiff M, et al. SUMMARY OF NEUTROPENIA IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 

TREATED WITH SIRUKUMAB IN THE SIRROUND PHASE 3 CLINICAL TRIALS. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 

2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract FRI0252. 

• Talotta R, Batticciotto A, Ditto MC, et al. INDUCTION AND PROGRESSION OF SUBCUTANEOUS NODULOSIS 

IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH TOCILIZUMAB. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, 

Madrid, Spain. Abstract AB0413.



• Tanaka Y, Aletaha D, Agarwal P, et al. LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SIRUKUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH 

ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DESPITE ANTI-TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR THERAPY: RESULTS OF THE 

RANDOMIZED, PHASE 3 SIRROUND-T STUDY. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract 

FRI0214. 

• Tanaka Y, Aletaha D, Peterson S, et al. SIRUKUMAB, AN ANTI-IL-6 CYTOKINE MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY, LEADS 

TO IMPROVEMENTS IN WORK PRODUCTIVITY AND GENERAL HEALTH STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE 

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS REFRACTORY TO ANTI-TNF THERAPY: RESULTS FROM THE PHASE 3 SIRROUND-T 

STUDY. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract FRI0251. 

• Teitsma XM, Jacobs JWJ, Welsing PMJ, et al. EFFECT OF TOCILIZUMAB IN DMARD-NAÏVE EARLY RHEUMATOID 

ARTHRITIS PATIENTS ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE: RESULTS OF THE U-ACT-EARLY TRIAL. 

Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0218. 

• Uda H, Shigematsu K, Saiki O. SIGNIFICANCE OF EXTENSION OF TOCILIZUMAB INFUSION INTERVALS FROM 4 

WEEKS TO 6 WEEKS IN RA PATIENTS WHO HAD SHOWN GOOD RESPONSE TO 4 WEEK INTERVALS. Presented 

at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract SAT0203. 

• Ueno A, Yamamura Y, Fujita K, et al. THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TOCILIZUMAB THERAPY IN PATIENTS 

WITH POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA WHO WERE RESISTANT OR INTOLERANT TO GLUCOCORTICOIDS AND 

ADDITIONAL METHOTREXATE. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract FRI0313. 

• Urata Y, Satoko A, Devers B, et al. TOCILIZUMAB: DOSE REDUCTION OR INTERVAL SPACING – WHICH PROVES 

A BETTER TAPERING STRATEGY FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN CLINICAL REMISSION? Presented at: EULAR; 

14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract OP0104. 

• Vegas-Revenga N, Calvo-Río V, Palmou-Fontana N, et al. RAPID IMPROVEMENT WITH TOCILIZUMAB IN 

REFRACTORY AND SEVERE UVEITIC CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, 

Madrid, Spain. Abstract THU0567. 

• Vegas-Revenga N, Calvo-Río V, Santos-Gómez M, et al. SHORT AND LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF TOCILIZUMAB 

FOR SEVERE JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS-ASSOCIATED UVEITIS. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, 

Madrid, Spain. Abstract THU0526. 

• Yoshimoto K, Suzuki K, Sugahara K, Tsutomu Takeuchi. LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT BAFF SIGNALING 

INHIBITORS AMELIORATE IL-6, IL-10 AND IGG PRODUCTION IN VITRO AND IN VIVO MODELS OF AUTOIMMUNE 

DISEASES. Presented at: EULAR; 14–17 June 2017, Madrid, Spain. Abstract THU0055.

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