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Table 2 Drugs currently being investigated for treatment of GCA

From: European Headache Federation recommendations for neurologists managing giant cell arteritis

Drug name

Mechanism of action

Abatacept

Humanized fusion protein that modifies co-stimulation in antigen presentation, inhibiting T-cell activity

Anakinra

Monoclonal antibody to the IL-1β receptor

Baricitinib

Synthetic DMARD, which targets the intracellular pro-inflammatory Janus kinase (JAK) family of enzymes

Gevokizumab

Recombinant monoclonal antibody to IL-1β, a pro-inflammatory cytokine

Rituximab

Chimeric monoclonal antibody against the protein CD20, which is primarily found on the surface of immune system B cells