The FDA has approved a new drug called Tyenne (tocilizumab-aazg) for several serious health conditions. Tyenne is a biosimilar, which means it is highly similar to an already approved biologic drug and works the same way. It is used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and certain types of juvenile arthritis. It is also approved for a severe side effect of some cancer treatments called cytokine release syndrome, and for hospitalized adults with COVID-19 who need oxygen or a breathing machine.
Tyenne is for adults with rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded well to other treatments, and for adults with giant cell arteritis. For children ages 2 and older, it can treat active polyarticular or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. For COVID-19, it is for hospitalized adults who are also receiving steroids and need extra oxygen or help breathing.
This approval gives patients and doctors another option for treating these serious conditions. Biosimilars can sometimes be more affordable, but that is not guaranteed. If you or a loved one has one of these conditions, talk to your doctor about whether Tyenne might be a good choice for you. Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and risks based on your personal health situation.