Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Receptors Market: Competitive Landscape, Pipeline, and Market Analysis 2023

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in the immune system and inflammation. It exerts its effects through binding to its specific cell-surface receptors, IL-6 receptors (IL-6Rs), which trigger a signaling cascade within the cell. Upon binding to IL-6 receptors, the receptor complex undergoes a series of conformational changes, leading to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, particularly the JAK-STAT pathway. This activation induces the expression of various genes involved in immune responses and inflammation, thereby modulating the body's immune system and promoting immune reactions against infections or tissue damage.  IL-6 plays a crucial role in the body as a multifunctional cytokine. It is involved in regulating immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Additionally, IL-6 influences the liver's acute-phase response, stimulates the production of antibodies, and supports the differentiation of various immune cells, making it a key player in maintaining immune homeostasis. IL-6/IL-6 receptor signaling plays a vital role in multiple diseases, and targeting this pathway has become a therapeutic approach in medicine. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis, IL-6 inhibitors have shown significant efficacy in reducing inflammation and joint damage. Additionally, IL-6/IL-6R antagonists have been utilized to treat certain types of cytokine release syndrome, a severe immune reaction observed in some cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, they have been investigated in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and certain cancers, as they can modulate inflammatory processes and immune responses. Extensive research is being conducted to find new and novel molecules to prevent and cure these diseases. The development and launch of more recent products by the market players will significantly enhance the revenue of the IL-6/IL-6 Receptors market over the forecast years.

A number of these inhibitors are in the market, while many are in ongoing clinical trials.  Companies in their pipelines have 112 products in various stages of clinical trials. 9 products in Phase 4, 18 products in Phase 3, 14 products in Phase 2, and 4 products are in Phase 1 of the clinical trials.

Key Developments of IL-6/IL-6 Receptors

• In December 2022, the FDA approved Actemra for treating COVID-19 in hospitalized adult patients receiving systemic corticosteroids who require supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or. Invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
• In March 2021, FDA approved Actemra as the 1^st biologic therapy for slowing the rate of decline in pulmonary function in adults with Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

Approved molecules

• Actemra IV (tocilizumab)
• Actemra SC (tocilizumab SC)
• Kevzara (sarilumab)
• Rizaben (tranilast)
• Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam 4%)
• Enspryng (satralizumab)
• Minocin for injection (minocycline intravenous)
• Spectracef (cefditoren pivoxil)
• Stronger Neo-Minophagen C (ammoniated glycyrrhizin intravenous)

Drugs in Pipeline

• Sylvant (siltuximab)
• Eyevinal (ibudilast)
• clazakizumab (CSL300)
• Artlegia (olokizumab)
• Plivensia (sirukumab)
• Ampion (aspartyl-alanyl diketopiperazine)
• ziltivekimab (COR-001)
• EDP1815
• Saccovid (efprezimod alfa)
• vobarilizumab (ALX-0061)
• HMPL-004
• Ilsira (levilimab)
• PF-04236921
• RG6179
• Zilxi (minocycline topical foam 1.5%)
• gerilimzumab (ARGX-109)
• minocycline modified release (DFD-29)
• semapimod (AXD-455)
• CT-P47 (tocilizumab biosimilar)
• RLS-0071
• isomyosamine (MYMD-1)
• lexaptepid pegol (NOX H94)
• EmphyClear Oral Spray (sodium pyruvate)
• GSK315234
• Multikine (leukocyte interleukin injection)
• Nebulized Ampion (aspartyl-alanyl diketopiperazine)
• TT-301

Clinical Activity and Developments of IL-6/IL-6 Receptors

As of July 2023, 112 products for 727 diseases are in clinical trials. For instance,

• Life Catholic University is conducting a Phase 4 clinical trial to compare
  Abatacept and Tocilizumab by subcutaneous administration for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis in TNF Alpha Inhibitor inadequate responder patients that was expected to complete by November 2022.
• Reade Rheumatology Research Institute is conducting a Phase 4 clinical trial to study Concentration-guided dose reduction vs Standard dosing in Tocilizumab-treated Rheumatoid Arthritis patients that is expected to complete by July 2022.