Tocilizumab vs Azathioprine in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2019-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
In neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD),interleukin-6 (IL-6) may play an important
role in facilitating plasma cells to produce pathological aquaporin 4 (AQP4) autoantibody.
Inhibition of IL-6 signaling pathway by Tocilizumab (ACTEMRA®), a humanized monoclonal
antibody may have shown beneficial clinical effects in a few patients with NMOSD.
Larger scale clincial trials may be needed to observe its efficacy and safety. Here, by
choosing azathioprine, one of the most frequently used medication in case of relapses, the
investigators compare the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab in preventing NMOSD attacks.