In opposition to IL-1 activity, the human body produces a natural IL-1 receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of IL-1. The drug form of this IL-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) is currently FDA approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease characterized by excessive IL-1 activity. Experimental studies show that anakinra is able to prevent cardiac remodeling and improve survival in mice after AMI.