Background. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory rheumatic disease of the elderly, with a usually rapid response to intermediate-doses of glucocorticoids (GCs). In many patients, relapses occur upon its dose reduction or cessation. Given the patients' age and the adverse event profile of GCs, steroid- free remission is the most desired target in patients with PMR, but typical GC sparing agents are often insufficient. Case series and small open studies suggested an excellent effectiveness of tocilizumab, an inhibitor of the Interleukin 6-receptor.