Anakinra Aids Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist Anakinra was found to benefit patients afflicted with severe hidradenitis suppurativa, a common skin disorder characterized by excessive inflammation.

A team of researchers conducted a double-blind study of 20 patients with Hurley stage II or III hidradenitis suppurativa at Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece, to investigate the safety and efficacy of the anti-inflammatory biological therapy Anakinra.

Between March 1, 2012 and February 28, 2014, the researchers randomized each patient to receive either subcutaneous injections of placebo or Anakinra once daily for 12 weeks with a 12-week follow-up.

According to the study results, there was a 67% decrease in disease activity score in the Anakinra group compared with a 20% decrease in the placebo group. The team saw a significantly less production of interferon-y by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a spike in interleukin 22 in the anakinra group.

The team also noted “most of the clinical efficacy of anakinra was shown from week 8 onward.”

“Anakinra therapy was safe in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. Injection site pain and mild infection reported herein are within the drug safety profile. Despite the few enrolled patients, the results of anakinra use to treat hidradenitis suppurativa are promising, “ concluded the authors.