Satralizumab for the Treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.

Objective: To review the pharmacological characteristics, clinical evidence, and place in therapy of satralizumab for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs).

Data Sources: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed (January 2000 to October 15, 2020). Key search terms included and . Other sources were derived from product labeling and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: All English-language articles identified from the data sources were reviewed and evaluated. Phase I, II, and III clinical trials were included.

Data Synthesis: NMOSD is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory lesions in the optic nerves and spinal cord. Interleukin-6 is involved in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Satralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-6 receptor. Phase III trials showed that protocol-defined relapse was 30% for satralizumab and 50% for placebo ( = 0.018) when patients with NMOSD were treated with satralizumab monotherapy; protocol-defined relapse was 20% for satralizumab and 43% for placebo ( = 0.02) when satralizumab was added to immunosuppressant treatment. Satralizumab is generally well tolerated, with common adverse effects including injection-related reaction.

Relevance To Patient Care And Clinical Practice: Satralizumab has the potential to become a valuable treatment option for patients with NMOSD.

Conclusion: Satralizumab appears to be safe and effective as monotherapy or in combination with an immunosuppressant for patients with NMOSD and has the potential to become a valuable treatment option for these patients.