Ilaris

Ilaris is the brand name for canakinumab, a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). It is a biologic therapy developed by Novartis and used to treat certain autoinflammatory diseases driven by IL-1β–mediated inflammation.

Indications for Ilaris include cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), which encompasses conditions such as familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome and Muckle-Wells syndrome. It is also approved for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD). Regulatory approvals have been granted by major agencies in various regions, reflecting its use in pediatric and adult patients with these conditions. Off-label use and clinical trials have explored its potential in other autoinflammatory diseases.

Mechanism and administration: Ilaris works by binding IL-1β, preventing it from signaling through the IL-1 receptor and thereby reducing fever and inflammatory symptoms. It is given by subcutaneous injection, typically on a regular schedule such as every four weeks, with the exact dosing based on body weight and the specific indication. Administration may be performed by a clinician or by patients/caregivers following training.

Safety and monitoring: Potential adverse effects include increased susceptibility to infections, neutropenia, injection-site reactions, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes. Patients receiving Ilaris should be monitored for signs of infection and for hematologic or hepatic abnormalities, and therapy may be paused or adjusted in the setting of active infection or significant laboratory abnormalities. As with other biologics, its use requires medical supervision and patient follow-up.