The SAPHYR study from the New England Journal of Medicine investigated sarilumab, an interleukin-6 receptor blocking monoclonal antibody, in polymyalgia rheumatica patients who relapsed during glucocorticoid tapering[1][2][3]. The study randomized 118 patients in a 1:1 ratio for 52 weeks: 60 received sarilumab 200 mg subcutaneously every two weeks plus a 14-week prednisone taper, 58 received placebo plus a 52-week prednisone taper[1][2][3]. The primary endpoint was sustained remission at week 52, defined as resolution of symptoms by week 12, absence of relapse, normalization of C-reactive protein, and adherence to tapering of prednisone from week 12 to week 52[1][2][3]. Sustained remission was achieved in 28% of patients (17 of 60) in the sarilumab group versus 10% (6 of 58) in the placebo group (difference 18 percentage points, 95% CI 4–32, p=0.02)[1][2][3]. Sarilumab reduced the cumulative dose of glucocorticoids and improved quality of life[1][2][3]. Adverse events such as neutropenia and arthralgia occurred more frequently, with a higher number of discontinuations (12% vs. 7%)[2][3].