Tocilizumab is safe and tolerable and reduces C-reactive protein concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients

Abstract

Introduction/Aims: We tested safety, tolerability, and target engagement of tocilizumab in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Methods: Twenty-two participants, whose peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profile reflected high messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of inflammatory markers, were randomized 2:1 to three tocilizumab or placebo treatments (weeks 0, 4, and 8; 8 mg/kg intravenous). Participants were followed every 4 wk in a double-blind fashion for 16 wk and assessed for safety, tolerability, plasma inflammatory markers, and clinical measures. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at baseline and after the third treatment. Participants were genotyped for Asp358Ala polymorphism of the interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) gene. Results: Baseline characteristics, safety, and tolerability were similar between treatment groups. One serious adverse event was reported in the placebo group; no deaths occurred. Mean plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) level decreased by 88% in the tocilizumab group and increased by 4% in the placebo group (−3.0-fold relative change, P