Use of il-1 antagonists to treat pseudogout

Abstract

Methods of treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating gout, including chronic active (refractory) gout, pseudogout, or drug-induced gout, in a human subject, are provided. The methods comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic amount of an interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonist, such as IL-1 trap rilonacept.

1 . A method of treating, inhibiting, or ameliorating pseudogout, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonist. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the IL-1 trap is rilonacept. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the IL-1 antagonist is administered subcutaneously or intravenously. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the IL-1 antagonist is administered daily or weekly at an initial dose of about 80 mg to about 500 mg. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the IL-1 antagonist is administered at subsequent doses of about 40 mg to about 250 mg. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the IL-1 trap is rilonacept. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the rilonacept is administered weekly at an initial dose of 320 mg. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the rilonacept is administered at subsequent doses of 160 mg. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering a second therapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of a corticosteroid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and colchicine. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the IL-1 antagonist and the second therapeutic agent are administered simultaneously or sequentially. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the IL-1 trap is rilonacept.