Mekinian A, Biard L, Dagna L, et al. - Biological-targeted treatments are highly efficacious in treating refractory Takayasu arteritis (TAK), and TNF-α antagonists afford a treatment option equivalent to tocilizumab in terms of efficacy, relapse and drug retention rate.

• This multicentre study involved 209 TAK patients [median age of 29 years [7–62], and 186 (89%) females].

• Patients were treated with either TNF-α antagonists or tocilizumab.

• 101/152 (66%) patients on TNF-α antagonists and 75/107 (70%) on tocilizumab showed a complete response at 6 months.

• 103 relapses occurred during a median follow-up of 36 months.

• Factors significantly linked with relapse were: supra-aortic branches and thoracic aorta involvements and systemic signs at baseline.

• Of 58 (20%) adverse effects, 37 (21%) were due to TNF-α antagonists and 21 (17%) were caused by tocilizumab.