Artlegia (olokizumab), a drug developed by the Russian firm R-Pharm, has now been incorporated into the revised clinical guidelines issued by the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) for managing rheumatoid arthritis. According to company representatives who spoke with GxP News, this marks the initial instance of a Russian biologic receiving acknowledgment within international guidelines for this particular condition.
These guidelines, released in 2026 within the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, detail contemporary strategies for rheumatoid arthritis care. They encompass areas such as evaluating disease activity, applying both conventional and targeted treatments, ensuring infection safety, vaccination protocols, and addressing specific clinical scenarios. The supporting evidence section specifically references the CREDO 1 and CREDO 3 trials, which affirm the effectiveness and safety profile of olokizumab.
APLAR stands as a prominent professional body for rheumatology across the Asia-Pacific region. Its recommendations, which are formulated from systematic reviews of evidence—including randomized clinical trials—and subsequently refined through expert evaluation, provide a crucial reference point for medical practitioners and national associations alike.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a persistent autoimmune condition primarily impacting the joints, and if left untreated promptly, it can result in disability. The incorporation of a novel medication into international guidelines represents a significant factor that may prompt updates to national clinical protocols throughout the region.
Olokizumab functions as a monoclonal antibody, working to inhibit interleukin-6, which is a primary inflammatory mediator in rheumatoid arthritis. This medication is currently registered in several countries, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan, with registration in Vietnam added in 2026. Furthermore, earlier this year, the drug was honored with the industry’s Platinum Ounce award in a unique category, recognizing its “For contribution to the development of innovative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.”
