Data supports Actemra's effectiveness

New two-year data has shown the effectiveness of Actemra (tocilizumab) in inhibiting structural damage to the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Roche has announced.

The Swiss drug maker said the data also improved patients' ability to perform everyday activities and helped maintain high remission rates.

Included in the data, x-rays of bone erosions and a narrowing of joint spaces showed that more patients treated with Actemra in combination with the current therapy, methotrexate, saw a significant inhibition in structural damage during 24 months of treatment when compared to patients in a control group.

The randomised LITHE study involved 1,196 patients with moderate to severe RA who previously had an inadequate response to methotrexate. Patients were administered either Actemra once every four weeks in a combination with methotrexate, or methotrexate alone.

Full data from the trial will be used to support regulatory filings for labelling claims. Actemra is currently already approved in Japan and Europe for the above usage.