Abstract: TH-PO0640
Effects of the Interleukin-6 Inhibitor Olokizumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and CKD
Session Information
- CKD: Clinical - Guidelines, Biomarkers, Progression, Procedures, Outcomes, and More
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2202 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials
Authors
- Mutig, Kerim, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, Russian Federation
- Bukhanova, Daria, R-Pharm, JSC, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Anoshenkova, Olga, Tomsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Tomsk, Russian Federation
- Zagrebneva, Alena, Scientific and Practical Center of Immunoinflammatory Rheumatic and Autoinflammatory Diseases in Moscow Clinical Research Center Hospital 52 of the Moscow Department of Healthcare, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Ivanov, Timofei Michaelovich, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, Russian Federation
- Samsonov, Mikhail, R-Pharm, JSC, Moscow, Russian Federation
Background
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the key pro-inflammatory cytokine playing major role in autoimmune and systemic inflammatory diseases. In addition, IL-6 exerts adaptive metabolic effects in various cell types including the kidney epithelial cells. IL-6 inhibitors such as olokizumab (OKZ) have been approved and increasingly used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) resistant to conventional therapy, but their effects on the renal function received only minor attention. In this light, it is relevant to expand information on the OKZ efficacy and safety in patients with RA and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted using data obtained from patients with RA and CKD (n=74; 83.8% female, mean age 61.2±1.4 years, RA duration 11.6±0.9 years), who switched to OKZ from conventional RA therapy. Efficacy, safety, and renal function were assessed using medical records of patients with RA and CKD, comparing 1 year before the initiation of OKZ, to 1 year of OKZ therapy. Results are presented as means with standard errors or as absolute and relative frequencies; statistical significance was assessed using the Wilcoxon test. Bioinformatical analysis of publicly available human kidney single-cell transcriptomics data (CellxGene repository) was performed to assess renal expression and distribution of the IL-6 receptor.
Results
Analysis of healthy human kidney transcriptomics data revealed predominant expression of the alpha IL-6 receptor subunit in the proximal tubules and podocytes along wth the ubiquitous beta subunit expression suggesting the classic and trans IL-6 signaling modes. OKZ therapy of RA patients with CKD was associated with significant decreases of RA activity during the ensuing 12 months, as evaluated by the DAS28-CRP (4.6±0.1 to 2.5±0.2) and CDAI activity scores (from 26.3±0.2 to 11.2±1.4, p<0.05). The most significant reductions in RA activity by DAS28 and CDAI scores occurred during the first 6 months of therapy. OKZ therapy demonstrated comparably high efficiency in patients with all CKD stages and was associated with stabilization or improvement of the estimated glomerular filtration rate dynamics. Finally, OKZ did not significantly affect serum potassium or urinary protein levels.
Conclusion
The present results confirm the safety of OKZ therapy in CKD patients and suggest a nephroprotective potential of IL-6 inhibition in this setting.
Acknowledgment
This work was supported by the grant of the state program of the «Sirius» Federal Territory «Scientific and technological development of the «Sirius» Federal Territory» [Agreement 29-03 date 07.07.2025].
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.