See the DrugPatentWatch profile for kevzara
Yes, Kevzara Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis
Kevzara (sarilumab) is FDA-approved for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have not responded well to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.[1] It works by blocking interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors to reduce inflammation and joint damage.
How Does Kevzara Fit into RA Treatment?
Doctors use Kevzara alone or with methotrexate when TNF inhibitors like Humira or Enbrel fail. Clinical trials showed it reduces RA symptoms and slows disease progression, with ACR20 response rates of 61% at week 24 versus 32% for placebo.[2]
What About Other Uses for Kevzara?
It's also approved for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in kids 1 year and older weighing at least 22 kg, and during COVID-19 for hospitalized adults needing oxygen.[1] RA remains its primary indication.
Common Side Effects Patients Report with Kevzara for RA
Infections (upper respiratory, urinary tract), injection site reactions, and elevated liver enzymes occur most often. Serious risks include infections like tuberculosis, gastrointestinal perforations, and low neutrophil counts—black box warnings apply.[1] Monitoring bloodwork is standard.
Who Makes Kevzara and What's the Dosing?
Sanofi and Regeneron co-developed it. Standard RA dose is 200 mg subcutaneous every 2 weeks, reduced to 150 mg if needed for lab abnormalities.[1]
When Do Kevzara Patents Expire?
Key U.S. patents expire between 2028 and 2033, with formulation patents extending to 2032. Challenges from generics are ongoing.[3]
How Does Kevzara Compare to Other RA Drugs?
| Drug | Mechanism | ACR20 Response (Week 24) | Common Price (per month, uninsured) |
|------|-----------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Kevzara | IL-6 inhibitor | 61% | ~$4,500 |
| Xeljanz | JAK inhibitor | 65-70% | ~$5,000 |
| Olumiant | JAK inhibitor | 62% | ~$4,800 |
| Rinvoq | JAK inhibitor | 71% | ~$6,000[2][4] |
Kevzara edges out some on skin safety but has higher infection risk than JAK drugs.
Sources
[1]: FDA Label for Kevzara
[2]: New England Journal of Medicine Trial Data
[3]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Kevzara Patents
[4]: GoodRx Pricing Comparison