Effect of IL-6 receptor inhibition on infarct volume after endovascular treatment for ischaemic stroke: a phase 2, randomised, placebo-controlled trial - PubMed

8 days ago

Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, was tested in a phase 2 trial for its effect on reducing infarct volume in acute ischaemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT).
The study was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 108 patients (57 placebo, 51 tocilizumab).
Primary outcome showed a median infarct volume change of 27.0 mL in the placebo group vs. 8.8 mL in the tocilizumab group at 72 hours, indicating a significant reduction with tocilizumab.
Safety outcomes were similar between groups, with symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage occurring in 12% of placebo and 6% of tocilizumab patients.
The study suggests tocilizumab is well-tolerated and may reduce infarct growth post-EVT, warranting further trials to confirm long-term functional benefits.
Funding came from various Chinese national and regional science foundations, with some authors disclosing consulting fees from pharmaceutical companies.

Hasty Briefsbeta