you attend the first study visit after joining the trial. during this visit baseline measurements are taken, including symptom scores and laboratory tests.

the study team assigns you randomly to receive either sarilumab 200 mg injection every 2 weeks plus a prednisone taper, or a matching placebo injection plus the same prednisone taper.

on the same day as the baseline visit you receive the first injection. the injection is supplied in a pre‑filled syringe and is given subcutaneously.

you begin taking prednisone tablets, 15 mg taken orally once daily.

you receive an injection of either sarilumab or placebo every 2 weeks for a total of 26 injections over 52 weeks.

each injection contains a fixed dose of 200 mg of the assigned study medication.

prednisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation. the dose is gradually reduced according to a schedule that extends over 52 weeks.

the taper is designed so that the daily dose is lowered stepwise each week, with the goal of stopping the medication by week 52.

you attend a clinic visit every 4 weeks. during these visits safety laboratory tests are performed and your symptoms are assessed.

the next injection is administered at each visit. at week 24 a specific assessment of disease remission is performed.

at week 52 you have a final study visit. remission status, safety labs, and any adverse events are recorded.

the study medication is discontinued after the final assessment.