Kharel S, Shrestha S, Ojha R, et al. - Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can be successfully treated with interleukin-6-receptor inhibitors therapy, with promising results with good efficacy and acceptable adverse events profile.

• Relevant studies (nine studies with 202 patients) were selected from PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, to determine the efficacy as well as safety of various interleukin-6-receptor inhibitors in the management of NMO/NMOSD.

• Tocilizumab provided freedom from relapse in a good proportion (76.95% CI: 0.61–0.91; p < 0.001) of patients and significantly decreased mean Annualized Relapse Ratio (ARR) (mean difference: -2.6, 95% CI: − 2.71 to − 1.68; p < 0.001), with an acceptable toxicity profile.

• In SAkura studies for Satralizumab, similar relapse free patients (70% to 80%) and reduction of ARR and Extended Disability Status Scale from baseline was evident.

• Reduction of pain and fatigue with tocilizumab was revealed in some studies while trials of Satralizumab demonstrated non-significant findings.