KRIBIOLISA Tocilizumab (ACTEMRA) ELISA

This Tocilizumab ELISA is for determination of Tocilizumab in human serum, plasma and cell culture supernatant. Tocilizumab, also known as Atlizumab, is a humanized monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or giant cell arteritis. It is sold under the trade name Actemra. Tocilizumab binds to soluble and membrane bound Il-6 receptors. This hinders the pro-inflammatory effects of Il-6, slowing down progression of the disease and can improve physical function of patients.

Principle: The method employs the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Antibodies to Tocilizumab are pre-coated onto microwells. Samples and standards are pipetted into microwells and human Tocilizumab present in the sample are bound by the capture antibody. Then, a HRP (horseradish peroxidase) conjugated anti-Tocilizumab antibody is pipetted and incubated. After washing microwells in order to remove any non-specific binding, the ready to use substrate solution (TMB) is added to microwells and color develops proportionally to the amount of Tocilizumab in the sample. Color development is then stopped by addition of stop solution. Absorbance is measured at 450 nm.

Tocilizumab and COVID-19

Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-6 (IL-6), has emerged as an alternative treatment for COVID-19 patients with a risk of cytokine storms recently. In recent studies, clinicians have discussed the treatment response of Tocilizumab therapy in COVID-19 infected patients. The demographic, treatment, laboratory parameters of C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 before and after Tocilizumab therapy and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients were retrospectively assessed.

Tocilizumab appears to be an effective treatment option in COVID-19 patients with a risk of cytokine storms. And for critically ill patients with elevated IL-6, the repeated dose of the Tocilizumab is recommended.

Genentech, maker of another IL-6 inhibitor, Tocilizumab (Actemra), is working with the FDA to initiate a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trial in collaboration with BARDA to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tocilizumab plus standard of care in hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia compared to placebo plus standard of care. The primary and secondary endpoints of the study include clinical status, mortality, mechanical ventilation, and ICU variables.

An open label, non-controlled, non–peer reviewed study was conducted in China in 21 patients with severe respiratory symptoms related to COVID-19. All had a confirmatory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection

KRISHGEN BIOSYSTEMS offers a CE marked kit for measurement of Tocilizumab (ACTEMRA) ELISA. The ELISA estimates the levels of Tocilizumab in human serum and plasma.

References:

Tocilizumab treatment in COVID-19: A single center experience.

J Med Virol. 2020 Apr 6. doi: 10.1002/jmv.25801.

Luo P, Liu Y, Qiu L, Liu X, Liu D, Li J.

Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

FDA Approves Phase III Clinical Trial of Tocilizumab for COVID-19 Pneumonia

CancerNetwork - home of the journal ONCOLOGY

by Hannah Slater, March 26, 2020