Rilonacept in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes: the beginning of longer-acting interleukin-1 antagonism

The remarkable effectiveness of interleukin (IL)-1β blockade in treating the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), which present with unexplained fevers and severe localized inflammation, has provided strong evidence for a direct role of IL-1β in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Since 2003, patients with CAPS have been treated with anakinra, a recombinant nonglycosylated human IL-1 receptor antagonist. The short half-life of...