Xeljanz (tofacitinib) vs Kevzara (sarilumab)

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) vs Kevzara (sarilumab)

Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that can modulate the immune system by interfering with the signaling pathway crucial for the inflammation process, and it is approved for the treatment of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Kevzara (sarilumab), on the other hand, is an injectable monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, which plays a key role in the inflammatory response, and is specifically approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. When deciding between the two, considerations include the route of administration, specific condition being treated, individual patient response, potential side effects, and any pre-existing health conditions that may influence drug choice.

Difference between Xeljanz and Kevzara

Metric Xeljanz (tofacitinib) Kevzara (sarilumab)
Generic name Tofacitinib Sarilumab
Indications Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Ulcerative colitis Rheumatoid arthritis
Mechanism of action Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist
Brand names Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR Kevzara
Administrative route Oral Subcutaneous injection
Side effects Upper respiratory tract infections, Headache, Diarrhea, Nasopharyngitis Neutropenia, Increased liver enzymes, Injection site reactions, Upper respiratory tract infections
Contraindications Active infection, Severe hepatic impairment, History of hypersensitivity to tofacitinib Active infection, History of hypersensitivity to sarilumab or to any of the excipients
Drug class JAK inhibitor Monoclonal antibody, IL-6 inhibitor
Manufacturer Pfizer Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Efficacy

Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) Efficacy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Xeljanz, with the active ingredient tofacitinib, is an oral medication that is classified as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It is specifically designed to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult patients who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. Tofacitinib works by interfering with the JAK pathways, which are involved in the immune response, thereby reducing inflammation and other symptoms associated with RA. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Xeljanz can significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of RA, improve physical function, and inhibit the progression of joint damage in many patients.

Studies have shown that Xeljanz is effective in both monotherapy and in combination with nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), offering an alternative for patients who cannot take or have not responded to methotrexate. In clinical trials, patients treated with Xeljanz experienced improved clinical response rates compared to placebo, with some patients achieving remission or low disease activity scores. The efficacy of Xeljanz has been observed as early as two weeks after the start of treatment, with improvements sustained over long-term use.

Kevzara (Sarilumab) Efficacy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Kevzara, containing the active substance sarilumab, is a subcutaneous injection used for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded adequately to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate. Sarilumab is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist, which works by blocking the action of IL-6, a protein that plays a key role in the inflammatory process of RA. Clinical trials have shown that Kevzara, alone or in combination with methotrexate or other DMARDs, can reduce the signs and symptoms of RA, improve physical function, and slow the progression of joint damage.

In pivotal clinical studies, Kevzara has been shown to reduce the rate of joint destruction and improve overall physical function, with some patients achieving clinical remission or low disease activity. The efficacy of Kevzara in clinical trials was measured by improvements in tender and swollen joint counts, patient-reported outcomes, and other markers of disease activity. Patients treated with Kevzara have reported significant improvements in pain, fatigue, and the ability to perform daily activities, which are critical factors in the overall quality of life for individuals living with RA.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Xeljanz
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Kevzara
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

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If Xeljanz or Kevzara are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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