Roche drug hits endpoint in late-stage RA trial

Roche is announcing positive data from the first of five late-stage trials of Actemra [1] as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The trial of moderate to severe RA among patients who had inadequately responded to methotrexate hit its primary endpoint of significant improvement in disease signs and symptoms at week 24. "We are pleased that this study confirms the favorable efficacy and safety profile of Actemra in the treatment of RA. Actemra, through its unique blockade of the interleukin-6 receptor, will provide a new treatment option for people afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis," says William Burns, head of Roche Pharmaceuticals. Four more late-stage trials will report data this year.

- check out the release [2] on the data
- here's the AFX report [3] on Roche

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