Roche has racked up more late-stage data backing Actemra as a new therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers say their fifth Phase III trial demonstrated that the therapy inhibited structural damage to joints. And physical function was improved in patients after a year of treatment.
Actemra is widely viewed as one of the three most important late-stage RA drugs in the global pipeline. The wave of late-stage therapies includes Cimzia (certolizumab) and golimumbab, both angling for near-term FDA approvals in the hope of joining the group of anti-TNF therapies on the market. Actemra (tocilizumab) is in a new, non-TNF category that is an odds on favorite to gain approval as a second- or third-line treatment.
- here's Roche's release [1]
- read the AFX report [2]
Related Articles:
Roche seeks FDA approval of RA drug Actemra [3]
Roche sees positive late-stage data on Actemra [4]
New data on Actemra [5]
Chugai seeks Actemra approval [6]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/actemra-inhibits-joint-damage-and-improves-physical-function-patients-rheumatoid-arth
[2] http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/05/09/afx4989759.html
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/roche-seeks-fda-approval-ra-drug-actemra/2007-11-21
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/roche-sees-positive-late-stage-data-on-actemra/2007-06-15
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/spotlight-new-data-on-actemra/2007-05-14
[6] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/spotlight-chugai-seeks-actemra-approval/2006-04-28