The FDA has approved a new drug called Tofidence (tocilizumab-bavi) for several conditions. It is a biosimilar, which means it is highly similar to an already approved biologic drug. Tofidence treats rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and COVID-19 in hospitalized adults. It works by blocking a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6) that causes inflammation.
Tofidence can be used alone or with methotrexate and other non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). For the juvenile arthritis indications, it is approved for children aged 2 years and older. This approval provides an additional treatment option for patients with these conditions.
This approval means that patients now have another choice when considering treatment. However, it is important to remember that every patient is different. What works for one person may not work for another. If you or a loved one has one of these conditions, talk to your doctor about whether Tofidence might be a good option.
While this is good news, it is not a cure. Patients should continue to follow their doctor's advice and discuss any concerns about their treatment plan. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications.