Sarilumab vs Tocilizumab — SCE Rheumatology MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Both inhibit IL-6 receptor signalling and require similar safety monitoring
The best answer is “Both inhibit IL-6 receptor signalling and require similar safety monitoring”. Sarilumab and tocilizumab are monoclonal antibodies targeting the IL-6 receptor, so they share class effects and monitoring considerations despite differences in formulation and molecular construction. The remaining choices—“Sarilumab inhibits JAK1 while tocilizumab inhibits JAK2, after safety review”, “Sarilumab inhibits IL-17 while tocilizumab inhibits IL-23, after specialist assessment”, “Sarilumab is a B-cell depleter while tocilizumab blocks TNF, with clinical reassessment”, “Both are oral conventional synthetic DMARDs, within a rheumatology pathway”—are credible in related rheumatology presentations, but each addresses a different diagnosis, investigation, treatment sequence or complication and does not fit the decisive findings in this stem.
Reference: NICE NG100 rheumatoid arthritis in adults: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng100/chapter/Recommendations