Juvenile arthritis is the next indication due for approval for blockbuster biologic therapies Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab). Pediatric rheumatology is a growing specialty that offers high unmet need in terms of effective well-tested treatments.
Rheumatic diseases remain a significant cause of chronic illness in children, with juvenile arthritis one of the most prevalent types.
Classifications for juvenile arthritis are often dissimilar, and vary from the US to the EU. The International League for Arthritis Research (ILAR) has outlined a definitive Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) definition which is now being adopted in clinical trials.
Pathology differs from adult RA mechanisms, but IL-1 and IL-6 appear to be key mediators and inhibition of each has shown promise in JIA. Kineret (anakinra) the only IL-1 inhibitor currently available does not appear to be in development for JIA, but Actemra (tocilizumab) is expected to launch in both adult and juvenile RA in the near future.