Roche reports positive trial data for subcutaneous RoActemra

Roche has published positive clinical trial data from Summacta, a new study for the subcutaneous formulation of RoActemra.

The 24-week trial compared the performance of subcutaneous RoActemra to the standard intravenous formulation among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

It was found that the new version of the drug was able to deliver comparable results in terms of pain scale improvements and reductions in the number of tender and swollen joints, while safety profiles were also broadly similar.

This shows that subcutaneous RoActemra – which will be submitted for regulatory approval in the near future – can provide an important new treatment option for patients.

Dr Hal Barron, head of global product development and chief medical officer for Roche, said: "We are very pleased with this data showing that subcutaneous administration of RoActemra provides clinically meaningful and comparable results to the intravenous infusion."

This comes after the company published clinical data in March 2012 showing the superior performance offered by RoActemra monotherapy compared to a leading alternative.