Tocilizumab is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It is primarily used to treat autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, by blocking the action of interleukin-6, a protein involved in inflammation. This helps reduce pain and swelling in affected joints. In addition to its use in arthritis, tocilizumab has been studied for its effectiveness in treating severe cases of COVID-19. By dampening the immune response, it can help prevent complications associated with an overactive immune system, known as a cytokine storm, which can occur in some patients with the virus.