Roche receives expert recommendation for MabThera

Roche has received the backing of rheumatism experts for MabThera, its licensed biologic therapy option for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Industry professionals commenting at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) annual congress stated that using biomarkers to identify which patients will respond best to MabThera will deliver quality-of-life benefits for patients.

The recommendations came alongside data presented at EULAR which illustrated the safety profile of MabThera over multiple courses of treatment, as well as the tighter disease control it offers when administered and assessed regularly.

Professor John Isaacs of Newcastle University said: “By treating patients with the best option for their disease, we can bring RA under control more rapidly and preserve function, reduce pain and maintain higher quality of life for patients.”

MabThera is currently the only licensed biologic to offer a targeted B cell approach to RA treatment.

Earlier this month, Roche was granted approval by the European Commission for its drug RoActemra to be used as a therapy for joint damage among RA sufferers.