Actions and Spectrum:
Action:
Inhibition of IL-1β: canakinumab specifically binds to IL-1β and prevents its interaction with its receptors. This inhibits the downstream signaling pathways triggered by IL-1β, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.
Spectrum:
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA): canakinumab is approved for treating SJIA in patients aged 2 years and older. SJIA is a form of juvenile arthritis characterized by systemic inflammation, fever, and joint pain.
Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS): canakinumab is indicated for the treatment of CAPS, which includes a group of rare genetic autoinflammatory disorders. These syndromes involve excessive production of IL-1β, leading to recurrent fever, rash, and joint inflammation.
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): canakinumab may be used in the treatment of FMF, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, abdominal pain, and inflammation of the serous membranes.
