Pilot Study of the IL-1 Antagonist Anakinra for the Treatment of Endometriosis Related Symptoms

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease1 that affects 5 -10% of reproductive aged women1,2. It is characterized by the presence of uterine endometrium outside the uterus. The condition causes health distress through pelvic pain and decreased QOL. Current therapies to temporarily control symptoms include surgery as well as medical options that prevent pregnancy and have significant side-effects.3,4 The most common symptoms with endometriosis include dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and NMPP. Ultimately these lead to a decrease in QOL. All current medical therapies to treat endometriosis pain prevent or contradict pregnancy.

Inflammation is a well-established central figure in the pathophysiology of endometriosis(1). Increasingly, data is suggesting that IL-1 is a mediator of inflammation in endometriosis (2, 3). In addition, there are data that single nucleotide polymorphisms at the IL-1A gene locus are associated with endometriosis risk (4). Hence, it is rational to assess anakinra, an IL-1 antagonist, in the control of symptoms and inflammation due to endometriosis. Therefore, we propose this pilot study testing an FDA approved medication (anakinra) to reduce IL-1 and on dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis without stopping periods (a sign of ovulation).

Anakinra is a self-administered subcutaneous injectable medication that is FDA approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As an IL-1 antagonist, it works by decreasing inflammation and is administered daily by the patient. Because Anakinra interferes with the immune system functioning, the major concern with the use of Anakinra is reduced resistance to infection. Others include injection site reactions such as redness, itching, rash, and pain. Bruising or bleeding also can occur, but it is rare. These effects usually stop after one - two weeks. Headaches and low white blood cell counts can also occur, but these are very rare. Anakinra should be used with caution in those with chronic kidney disease.

Anakinra is not specifically FDA approved for endometriosis. Although no data on its use in women with endometriosis have been published, there is no reason to expect women with endometriosis would be at any particular or increased risk than those in the general population.

This study is a randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled, cross-over clinical pilot study of 20 women. Patients diagnosed with surgical or imaging-technique proven endometriosis will be randomized to either treatment with an FDA approved medication (Anakinra) or a placebo. This is an investigator initiated single center study sponsored by the Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI). SOBI will provide the study drug and placebo.