Introduction
Ilaris(R) is a drug that has been approved for use in humans by The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both. FDA Is the main administrative body in charge of drug approvals in the U.S. while The pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) controls which drugs will be subsidized for use in Australia. Ilaris is the first official treatment for children of four years of age and adults with the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) (Capell, 2009). Diseases like Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) are also expected to be treated by the use of this drug. (Clinical Trials, 2009).
Chemical Name and Formulae
The chemical name of the drug is Canakinumab (ACZ885) and it is developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.
What Conditions Does the Drug Treat?
Dr. Tim Wright, Head of Translational Medicine at Novartis worked on a drug (ACZ885) and it was his efforts that Ilaris(R) was discovered to be such a blessing for those suffering from Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS).
A single injection worked miracles within hours after its first dose and the patient’s symptoms were gone in a day. This astonishing drug helped the patients in remaining symptom-free for the next 6 months too. 90% of the patients afflicted from such immune disorders experienced speedy, sustained diminution. (Capell, 2009)
“Patients experienced a benefit within hours after receiving a single dose of canakinumab and only needed further treatment every two months to control their symptoms. This may give canakinumab a significant advantage over current therapies in an area of unmet medical need.” (Lachmann, 2009)
The symptoms of /Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) are fever, headache, rash, joint pain, from birth only or it may occur during infancy as well. There are no other treatments discovered for CAPS as yet that is why the discovery of Ilaris(R) is of such importance in the medical field as It has given hope to hundreds of patients worldwide.
“CAPS is a life-long and potentially fatal condition for which there are currently no approved medications in the European Union.” (Lachmann, 2009)
Patients suffering from Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) are also expected to be treated by the use of Ilaris(R) (Clinical Trials, 2009). The EU has not given its approval for the use of Ilaris(R) as yet whereas Switzerland approved the use of Ilaris(R) in July 2009 and the US approved it in June 2009 for the treatment of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) (National Horizon Scanning Centre, 2008). Approximately 6,500 patients around the world are suffering from CAPS.
It has been proved that the use of Ilaris has given immediate relief to the patients suffering from such immune disorders and it has made the treatment of CAPS not only probable but possible as well. CAPS which was once a completely incurable disease has now reached new dimensions as its treatment has been discovered by the use of this drug. Hundreds of patients worldwide have found relief by the use of Ilaris(R).
Gout, Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, such diseases are hoped to be treated by the use of this drug in the upcoming years. (Capell, 2009)
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that the approval of Ilaris(R) (Canakinumab, ACZ885) for patients suffering from Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) is a very important development in the field of medicine. Ilaris is currently under health authority review in the EU, Switzerland, and Australia and has an orphan drug status for CAPS in the US (Capell, 2009). The promotion of such drugs that are beneficial for treating hazardous diseases is very essential in today’s world.
Bibliography
Capell, K. (2009). Web.
Kastner DL (2005). Hereditary Periodic Fever Syndromes. Hematology 2005-American Society of Hematology Education Program. Web.
Lachmann HJ. (2009). A Randomized Trial of Canakinumab in Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome. NEJM.
National Horizon Scanning Centre (2008). Canakinumab for cryopyrin associated periodic syndrome. Web.