Efficacy of tocilizumab in two patients with anti-TNF-alpha refractory uveitis.

To report on two patients with refractory uveitis treated with tocilizumab; a new humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R). Retrospective interventional case series. Both patients received a monthly infusion of tocilizumab 8 mg/kg; associated with corticosteroids. Outcome measures were visual acuity and central retinal thickness evaluated with optical coherence tomography. An improvement in visual acuity and a decrease in macular edema were observed in these two patients. Tocilizumab seems to be a promising treatment in refractory uveitis. A prospective study is needed to evaluate the role of this new agent in the management of refractory uveitis.