Original Journal Article by Zhong H, Liu T, Liu Y, et al. - In Behçet’s syndrome (BS), tocilizumab (TCZ; interleukin-6-receptor inhibitor) is a safe and effective treatment option for refractory arterial lesions, with a steroid- and immunosuppressant-sparing benefit.

• This observational cohort study included 10 patients with BS with refractory arterial involvement who received 8 mg/kg TCZ infusions every 4 weeks for ≥ 24 weeks, with simultaneous continuation of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids.

• Following 26.8 ± 7.2-month follow-up, there was improvement and maintenance of symptoms in 9 patients, complete remission and partial response were seen in 6 and 3 patients, respectively.

• In addition, immunosuppressant dose reduction occurred in 4, radiologic improvement of arterial lesions in 4, and TCZ cessation due to enlarged abdominal aortic aneurysm relapse was noted in one patient.

• Glucocorticoid dose reduction was achieved, and median ESR and CRP values decreased from 50 (2–82) mm/h and 32.9 (2.1–62.3) mg/dl to 4 (1–10) mm/h and 2.9 (0.2–12.1) mg/dl, respectively.

• TCZ did not cause side effects.