Ridker PM, Devalaraja M, Baeres FMM, et al. - Researchers undertook a randomised, double-blind, phase 2 trial (RESCUE) to determine if ziltivekimab (a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the IL-6 ligand) has safety as well as effectiveness for decreasing biomarkers of inflammation and thrombosis in patients with high cardiovascular risk. The emphasis was on people with increased high-sensitivity CRP and chronic kidney disease. Participants with age 18 years or older, moderate to severe chronic kidney disease, and high-sensitivity CRP of at least 2 mg/L were randomized (1:1:1:1) to subcutaneous administration of placebo or ziltivekimab 7·5 mg, 15 mg, or 30 mg every 4 weeks up to 24 weeks. Decrease in median high-sensitivity CRP levels by 77% for the 7·5 mg group, 88% for the 15 mg group, and 92% for the 30 mg group relative to 4% for the placebo group was detected at 12 weeks post-randomisation. For fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, secretory phospholipase A2, and lipoprotein(a), dose-dependent reductions were evident. Good tolerability of ziltivekimab was reported. Findings revealed that biomarkers of inflammation as well as thrombosis relevant to atherosclerosis were markedly decreased by ziltivekimab. Based on these observations, a large-scale cardiovascular outcomes trial will inquire the impact of ziltivekimab in cases with chronic kidney disease, elevated high-sensitivity CRP, and established cardiovascular disease.