Chugai and Roche present positive phase III Actemra data

Chugai Pharmaceutical and Roche have announced data from the phase III Radiate and Ambition trials demonstrating the efficacy of Actemra (tocilizumab) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

In the Radiate trial the companies announced that the drug has shown efficacy as both a monotherapy and combination treatment with methotrexate (MTX) in RA patients.

The Ambition trial evaluated the efficacy of the compound co-developed by both firms on patients with moderate-to-severe RA, including those not previously treated with MTX.

Actemra is a humanised anti-human IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody created using genome engineering technology that controls IL-6 molecules by inhibiting their binding with IL-6 receptors.

“ACR response rates were used to determine the anti-rheumatic efficacy, and at the end of the 24 weeks, Actemra group achieved statistically significantly higher response rates versus placebo,” Chugai said of the Radiate study.

It added that in the Ambition trial, the Actemra monotherapy group achieved non-inferiority with a statistically significant response rate compared to placebo.

Last month, Roche announced that the compound had shown further signs it is an important breakthrough in the treatment of RA, with it improving physical function and quality of life in these patients.