Tocilizumab (TCZ), is a recombinant humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor 
(IL-6R) monoclonal antibody which has a main use in the treatment of rheumatoid 
arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and polyarticular 
juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). This article provides an overview of TCZ 
including looking into the past at the discovery of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a 
pro-inflammatory cytokine. It also looks at how tocilizumab was developed, 
manufactured and tested to ensure both safety and efficacy in a human 
population. The article then explores the advantages and disadvantages of using 
TCZ when compared to other biologics approved in RA, sJIA and pJIA and finally 
looks ahead to the future and the emerging role of IL-6 and its blockade by TCZ 
as a treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and 
large vessel vasculitis (LVV).