Kineret (Anakinra) 100 mg injection

Kineret containing the active ingredient Anakinra is an injectable medication used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. Anakinra is a recombinant, non-glycosylated form of the human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), which is a naturally occurring antagonist of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). It is primarily used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and certain autoinflammatory diseases.

How It Works

Anakinra exerts its effects by targeting and neutralizing the activity of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key cytokine involved in the inflammatory response. Here’s how it works: 1. **Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Blockade**: – IL-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in mediating the inflammatory response. It is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including the promotion of fever, inflammation, and tissue destruction. – Anakinra competes with IL-1 for binding to the interleukin-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI) on the cell surface, thereby preventing IL-1 from activating the receptor. This competitive inhibition effectively blocks the downstream signaling pathways that lead to inflammation and tissue damage. 2. **Reduction of Inflammatory Processes**: – By inhibiting IL-1 signaling, Anakinra reduces the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, thereby decreasing overall inflammation. – This mechanism helps reduce symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling, pain, and stiffness, particularly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 3. **Modulation of Immune Response**: – Anakinra helps modulate the immune response, leading to a reduction in the autoimmune attack on joints and tissues, providing relief to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Indications

Kineret is indicated for the treatment of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. These include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
  • Indicated for the reduction of signs and symptoms and slowing the progression of structural damage in moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in patients aged 18 years and older who have failed one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Neonatal-Onset Multisystem Inflammatory Disease (NOMID):
  • Indicated for the treatment of NOMID, also known as chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous articular (CINCA) syndrome, a rare autoinflammatory disorder.
• Deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA):
  • Indicated for the treatment of DIRA, a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the IL1RN gene.
• Still’s Disease:
  • Indicated for the treatment of Still’s disease, including adult-onset Still’s disease and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).

Side Effects

Kineret may cause various side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Patients should be monitored regularly, and any adverse reactions should be reported to healthcare providers. Here are some common and serious side effects associated with Kineret:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain)
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Joint pain
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Fatigue
• Serious Side Effects:
  • **Serious Infections**:
    • Anakinra can increase the risk of serious infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection and treatment should be discontinued if serious infections occur.
  • **Neutropenia**:
    • A decrease in neutrophil count can occur, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts is recommended.
  • **Allergic Reactions**:
    • Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of an allergic reaction occur.
  • **Liver Function Abnormalities**:
    • Elevated liver enzymes and liver dysfunction have been reported. Monitoring of liver function tests is advised during treatment.

Contraindications

Kineret is contraindicated in certain situations, and healthcare providers should carefully assess patients before prescribing the medication:

• Hypersensitivity to Anakinra:
  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to Anakinra or any component of the formulation should avoid using Kineret.
• Active Infections:
  • Kineret is contraindicated in patients with active infections, particularly those with active tuberculosis or other severe infections.
• Neutropenia:
  • Patients with a baseline neutrophil count below 1.5 x 10⁹/L should not be started on Kineret due to the increased risk of severe infections.
• Concomitant Use with TNF Blockers:
  • Concomitant use of Kineret with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers is contraindicated due to the increased risk of serious infections.

Pricing Information

Below is a table detailing the price of Kineret in various countries. Prices may vary based on healthcare systems, availability, and dosage requirements.

Country	Price (per 100 mg Injection)	Reference
United States	$1,500 – $1,800	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£1,000 – £1,200	NHS BNF
Australia	AUD $2,000 – $2,200	PBS
Canada	CAD $1,800 – $2,000	DrugBank
Germany	€1,200 – €1,400	Apotheken Umschau

Top 5 Global Brands

Several pharmaceutical companies produce medications for rheumatoid arthritis and related inflammatory conditions. Here are some of the top global brands:

• Kineret (Anakinra) – Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi)
• Enbrel (Etanercept) – Amgen
• Humira (Adalimumab) – AbbVie
• Remicade (Infliximab) – Janssen Biotech