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Anti-IL-1β Monoclonal Antibody

Canakinumab

Brand names: Ilaris

Canakinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against interleukin-1 beta, used in autoinflammatory conditions such as periodic fever syndromes, Still's disease and gouty arthritis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds and neutralises interleukin-1 beta, blocking its interaction with IL-1 receptors and dampening the downstream inflammatory cascade.

Prescribing in practice

  • It increases the risk of serious infection; screen for and exclude active infection (including latent tuberculosis) before and during treatment, and withhold if serious infection develops.
  • Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment, and vaccinations brought up to date beforehand where possible.
  • Use with caution alongside other biologic or immunosuppressive agents owing to additive infection risk.

Monitoring

Monitor for signs of infection and check neutrophil count periodically as directed by the SPC.

Counselling the patient

  • Report any fever, persistent cough or other signs of infection promptly.
  • Tell any healthcare professional you are receiving this treatment before having vaccinations.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE has appraised canakinumab for specific periodic fever syndromes and its use is supported by randomised controlled trial data in IL-1-mediated disease.

Reference: NICE TA404; CANTOS trial; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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