Actemra Reduces Joint Damage And Improves Physical Function Of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Actemra is the first of a new class of drug with a novel mechanism of action that brings new hope to RA patients.

It is a humanized interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody which works by suppressing the activity of IL-6, an important trigger of the inflammatory process.

This novel mode of action reduces inflammation of the joints and relieves the systemic effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Roche announced that Actemra (tocilizumab) can significantly inhibit structural damage to joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a critical measure of effectiveness of an RA treatment.

Actemra also improved the patients’ physical function after one year of therapy, leading them to a better quality of life.

The outcome of this study is good news for RA patients as presently many either fail to achieve an adequate response or cannot tolerate therapies currently available.

New treatment options are needed, particularly those that can target different pathways to bring relief and inhibit joint damage in patients suffering from RA.

Source: Medical News Today