Use of Tocilizumab Drug Levels to Optimize Treatment in RA

Tocilizumab concentrations above 1 mg/L are likely to be sufficient for normalizing C-reactive protein (CRP) production in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In practice, however, a large variability in the concentrations of tocilizumab is found, and a large proportion of patients treated with tocilizumab subcutaneously (sc) have concentrations far above 1 mg/L. These patients can probably lower their doses without losing clinical response.

A 52 weeks non-inferiority, multicenter, randomized controlled study will be performed to investigate whether patients with RA with serum trough concentrations of tocilizumab higher than 15 mg/L can increase their dosing interval to every two weeks without losing clinical response. Patients with relatively high trough concentrations will be randomly assigned to continuation of the standard dose or to increase dosing interval to every two weeks. The main objective is to investigate the difference in mean time weighted Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) between the two groups after 28 weeks. It is expected that patients with relatively high trough concentrations can safely increase their dosing interval without losing response.

Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). It has proven to be effective in reducing inflammation and symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The registered standard dose of tocilizumab subcutaneously (sc) is 162 mg weekly for every patient. All patients diagnosed with RA and treated with tocilizumab sc receive the same dose, so treatment with expensive biologicals is currently based on a 'one size fits all' approach. Because of the large inter-individual variability in the pharmacokinetics of tocilizumab this standard dose results in a wide range of serum concentrations. In the search to optimize the dose for individual patients it was demonstrated that serum levels of 1 mg/L of tocilizumab are adequate to block the IL-6 receptor systemically, as indicated by a reduction in CRP levels in patients with these low trough concentrations. Therefore, a substantial proportion of patients is likely to be overexposed to tocilizumab. This overtreatment is a waste of health care resources and might be associated with an increased risk of adverse events, mainly infections.

We believe that overexposure can be reduced effectively by making use of the drug concentrations found in the serum of individual patients. Our hypothesis is therefore that reducing the dose in the setting of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) does not affect clinical disease activity and safety, while it will reduce costs.

Based on previous studies we believe that a concentration around 5 mg/L is sufficient to reach the maximal treatment effect. Therefore tapering strategy was developed aiming for serum concentrations around 5 mg/L. Monte Carlo modelling was performed to determine the cut-off concentration for interval prolongation to be used in this study. Simulations were performed and it was found that patients with trough concentrations above 15 mg/L can safely prolong their dosing interval, as this will result in levels around 5 mg/L in the majority of patients.

This study is a 52 weeks randomised, multicenter, non-inferiority trial in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with subcutaneous tocilizumab 162 mg weekly for at least the previous 6 months. After informed consent is obtained during the baseline visit, blood will be drawn to measure drug trough concentrations. Patients with a tocilizumab concentration above 15 mg/L will be randomly assigned to dose reduction by increasing their dosing-interval from once every week to once every two weeks, or to continuation of their tocilizumab dose (standard dose). After randomization, patients are followed for a period of 52 weeks. Data regarding disease status and functioning will be collected during the baseline visit, and 12, 28, 40, and 52 weeks thereafter. Blood will also be drawn from the patients during these visits. All patients with concentrations below 15 mg/L during the first study visit will not be randomized and all continue standard treatment. Only one follow-up visit, after 52 weeks, will be performed in this group of patients.

Patients can also choose to participate in a sub-study where the finger prick developed by Sanquin (Amsterdam) will be validated to measure tocilizumab drug levels. This part of the study will comprise performing three finger pricks. These finger pricks will be performed during the visit at week 12 with the help of a nurse, and at home during the two weeks after this visit.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Rheumatoid arthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 or 2010 criteria;
* Current use of subcutaneous tocilizumab 162 mg weekly, for at least the previous 6 months;
* The treating rheumatologist is convinced of the benefit of tocilizumab continuation;
* Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A scheduled surgery in the next 52 weeks or other pre-planned reasons for treatment discontinuation;
* Changes in the treatment with glucocorticoids and DMARDs such as methotrexate in the past three months.