Two Phase III studies of RoActemra/Actemra (Genetech/Roche) show long term efficacy and early treatment benefits in RA patients

Data from two Phase III studies using RoActemra/Actemra (tocilizumab), from Genentech/Roche, show long term efficacy and benefits for early stage treatment in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Results from the AMBITION LTE study showed that long-term treatment with RoActemra alone showed long-term efficacy in people with RA who had never received MTX or had not received it in the preceding six months. The number of patients achieving remission continued to increase or were maintained over time, with 66.7% achieving remission, as measured by DAS28<2.6, by week 2401. disease activity measured by sjc and tjc continued to decrease or was maintained up to week 240.>

The FUNCTION study showed that RoActemra when used with or without MTX was superior to MTX alone in achieving disease remission in people at week 24 (as measured by DAS28<2.6). secondary endpoints demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of ra and physical function and a reduction in structural joint damage at 52 weeks when used with mtx. data were presented at the european league against rheumatism eular congress.>