in RA patients

Roche has announced its MabThera (rituximab) drug can inhibit the structural damage to joints in patients suffering from early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

A phase III study of the product found it reduced the rate of progressive joint damage when used with methotrexate (MTX), compared to initiating with MTX alone, which is the standard treatment for RA at present.

MabThera doses of 500mg and 1,000mg were examined in the Image study, which used patients who had not been treated with MTX previously.

William M Burns, chief executive of Roche’s Pharmaceuticals Division, said the results could potentially "alter the course" of RA.

He continued: "These pivotal findings add support for the early use of MabThera in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to allow patients to maintain a life as normal as possible."

RA affects over 21 million people worldwide.

Those in science sales jobs may also be interested in Roche’s breast cancer drug Herceptin, which, when administered before surgery, can improve chances of survival without relapse, the company announced recently.