Antagonists of IL-6 to raise albumin and/or lower CRIP

摘要

The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level or a reduced serum albumin level prior to treatment. In another preferred embodiment, the patient's Glasgow Prognostic Score will be increased and survivability will preferably be improved.

主权项

1. A method of improving survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient an anti-interleukin-6 (“IL-6”) antagonist antibody or antibody fragment, whereby the patient's serum C-reactive protein (“CRP”) level is reduced, and monitoring the patient to assess the reduction in the patient's serum CRP level, wherein the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment either contains the VL CDR polypeptides having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:87, 88 and 89 and the VH CDR polypeptides having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:90, 91 and 92; or comprises the VL CDR polypeptides having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:103, 104 and 105 and the VH CDR polypeptides having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:106, 107 and 108.