Proof that we must always be very careful: a clinical trial in France evaluating the drug anakinra at the University Hospital of Tours has been suspended due to unexplained excess mortality in the group of patients treated with anakinra compared with the group that did not receive this drug, indicates the drug agency ANSM Thursday, October 29. “A deleterious effect of anakinra cannot be excluded insofar as the information available at this stage does not make it possible to explain this difference” between these two groups of patients, notes the ANSM.
This medicine (Kineret® is its trade name) is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: it fights in particular against the inflammatory mechanisms which characterize autoimmune diseases.
The first results were encouraging
A study carried out on a group of 52 patients by the Paris Saint Joseph Hospital Group was encouraging: a quarter of those treated with anakinra had been transferred to intensive care or died, compared to approximately 73% of those who did not. not had this drug, according to this study published in The Lancetend of May 2020.
In detail, anakinra seemed to be effective in countering the cytokine storm linked to viral infection, that is to say the runaway production of immune cells in the body which leads to an inordinate defense reaction, responsible for significant damage to organs (heart, kidneys, lungs …) This uncontrolled reaction can lead to respiratory distress syndrome, and potentially death. The anakinra specifically targeting interleukin-1 (IL-1), a cytokine involved in this “inflammatory storm”.
Anakinra and rheumatoid arthritis: continue treatment
This safety information does not call into question the benefit / risk ratio of anakinra when it is used in the indications already validated by its marketing authorization (AMM), in particular rheumatoid arthritis, underlines the ANSM.
“Patients treated for one of these pathologies can therefore continue their treatment. If symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 appear”, the health agency invites them to consult their doctor “.
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