Recent studies by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, showed positive results for the subcutaneous formulation of tocilizumab, a humanized interleukin-6 receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody for adults with active rheumatoid arthritis, according to a company news release.
The analysis for the 162 mg tocilizumab SC (Actemra, Genentech) used weekly did not show any new safety signals at its primary endpoint compared with 8 mg/kg tocilizumab IV (Actemra, Genentech) every four weeks. Efficacy rates in the improvement of joint pain and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were similar, according to the release.
“We are very pleased with these data showing that subcutaneous administration of Actemra provides clinically meaningful and comparable results to the IV infusion,” Hal Barron, MD, Genentech chief medical officer, said in the release. “This may provide patients and their doctors with an important additional treatment option.”
The results from SUMMACTA, the Actemra study trial, will be presented at a meeting,and the results of BREVACTA, a second study, are anticipated later this year. Genentech said it will submit data to the FDA upon completion of the studies.