Understanding Kevzara and its Status
Kevzara, with the active drug name sarilumab, is a brand-name biologic medication developed by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 22, 2017, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis [1.2.1, 1.2.7]. Since then, its approved uses have expanded to include polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in certain patients [1.3.3].
Currently, Kevzara is only available as a brand-name medication [1.2.2]. There is no generic or biosimilar version on the market [1.2.4, 1.3.8]. This is a critical distinction for patients concerned about cost, as generics and biosimilars are typically less expensive than their brand-name counterparts [1.2.2].
Why No Generic? The Difference Between Biologics and Chemical Drugs
The reason there isn't a simple "generic Kevzara" lies in how it's made. Kevzara is a biologic drug, which means it's produced from living organisms, specifically using genetically engineered cells to create a human monoclonal antibody [1.2.4, 1.2.7]. These are large, complex molecules.
- Generic Drugs are exact copies of brand-name drugs made from chemicals. They are simpler to replicate and are considered bioequivalent.
- Biosimilar Drugs are the equivalent of generics for biologic drugs. Because biologics are so complex, it's impossible to create an identical copy. Instead, manufacturers create a biosimilar that is highly similar to the original biologic (called the reference product) with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency [1.2.4, 1.3.1].
Biologic drugs like Kevzara are granted a period of market exclusivity by the FDA, which can last up to 12 years, to allow manufacturers to recoup the significant costs of research and development [1.2.4]. Kevzara's intellectual property and patents are expected to provide exclusivity until approximately 2028, which is the earliest that biosimilar competition might emerge [1.4.4].
How Kevzara Works and Who It's For
Kevzara belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonists [1.5.5]. In inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, the body produces an excess of the IL-6 protein, which contributes to inflammation, pain, and joint destruction [1.2.6, 1.5.6]. Kevzara works by specifically binding to and blocking IL-6 receptors, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory signals and reducing the symptoms and disease activity [1.5.1, 1.5.3].
Kevzara is FDA-approved to treat:
- Adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) [1.3.3].
- Adults with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids or cannot tolerate a corticosteroid taper [1.3.4].
- Patients weighing 63 kg or more with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) [1.3.7].
It is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once every two weeks [1.2.2].
Managing the Cost of Kevzara
Without a generic or biosimilar option, the cost of Kevzara can be a significant concern. The average retail price can be over $5,500 for a one-month supply (two syringes) [1.6.1]. To address this, the manufacturer offers financial assistance programs.
The KevzaraConnect® program provides several forms of support:
- Copay Card: For commercially insured patients, this card can lower out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 per month, with a maximum annual benefit of $15,000 [1.6.2, 1.6.3, 1.6.6].
- Patient Assistance Program: For patients who are uninsured or underinsured, this program may provide Kevzara at no cost to those who qualify based on income and other criteria [1.6.1, 1.6.7].
Treatment Alternatives to Kevzara
Patients and doctors have several alternative treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis, which can be categorized by their mechanism of action. The choice depends on the patient's specific condition, treatment history, and response to other therapies [1.7.7].
Comparison of RA Biologic & Targeted DMARDs
| Drug Class | Mechanism of Action | Brand Name Examples | Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL-6 Receptor Antagonist | Blocks the Interleukin-6 protein. | Kevzara (sarilumab), Actemra (tocilizumab) | Subcutaneous Injection or IV Infusion |
| TNF Blockers | Blocks Tumor Necrosis Factor, another inflammatory protein. | Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), Remicade (infliximab) | Subcutaneous Injection or IV Infusion |
| JAK Inhibitors | Interferes with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway inside cells to disrupt inflammatory signals. | Xeljanz (tofacitinib), Rinvoq (upadacitinib) | Oral Pill |
| B-cell Inhibitor | Targets and depletes B-cells, a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. | Rituxan (rituximab) | IV Infusion |
| T-cell Co-stimulation Blocker | Prevents the activation of T-cells, another key immune cell. | Orencia (abatacept) | Subcutaneous Injection or IV Infusion |
Other Treatment Options
- Conventional Synthetic DMARDs: These are often the first line of treatment and include medications like methotrexate (Trexall), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) [1.7.7]. Kevzara is often used after these drugs have proven ineffective [1.3.1].
- Corticosteroids: Drugs like prednisone can provide rapid relief from pain and inflammation but are typically used for short periods due to the risk of side effects [1.7.7].
- NSAIDs: Over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling but do not slow the progression of the disease [1.7.7].
Conclusion
To directly answer the question: no, there is not a generic for Kevzara available as of late 2025. As a complex biologic medication, it will not have a generic but may face competition from biosimilars after its patents expire, which is anticipated around 2028 [1.4.4]. Patients concerned about the high cost of Kevzara should speak with their doctor and investigate the KevzaraConnect® assistance programs offered by the manufacturer [1.6.6]. For those seeking different treatment options, numerous alternatives with different mechanisms of action exist, including other biologics like TNF inhibitors and oral JAK inhibitors, providing a range of choices to be discussed with a rheumatologist [1.7.2, 1.7.5, 1.7.7].
For more information on biologic drugs for arthritis, you can visit the Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/
