Introduction
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe, autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that predominantly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Its management remains challenging due to frequent relapses, which can lead to cumulative neurological deficits. The advent of targeted immunotherapies offers promising avenues for long-term disease control.
Satralizumab (SAT) is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, a cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of NMOSD. Clinical trials, including SAkuraSky and SAkuraStar, demonstrated that SAT reduces relapse risk with a favorable safety profile. The ongoing SAkuraMoon open-label extension study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of SAT in patients with NMOSD, providing valuable insights into its sustained use.
