text_1: FDA approves expanded indications for Ilaris for three rare diseases
text_2: This news release issued by the U.S. FDA extends indications for a drug called Ilaris (canakinumab). The new indications are Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS), Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome (HIDS)/Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD) and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). TRAPS and HIDS/MKD are both rare but serious autoimmune diseases for which there are currently no approved therapies. Unfortunately, lacking any information about the quality of the evidence, cost or benefits, this release is notably lacking in key details that any person suffering from these conditions would need to make an informed decision about the treatment. If there are additional useful indications for Ilaris (canakinumab), in this case to treat Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) and Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome (HIDS)/Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD), then this could be a good thing for patients suffering from these conditions. Unfortunately, we don’t learn from this news release what is currently used to treat patients suffering these conditions, or anything else about these rare-sounding conditions. It is impossible to assess the impact of the treatment without more details of the prevalence of the diseases in question.