ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA: A therapeutic option for the treatment of RA
ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA is the first humanised monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits the human interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor, and represents a novel mechanism of action to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA inhibits the actions of IL-6, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that acts on a variety of tissues and organ systems in the body.1,2 IL-6 is the most abundantly expressed cytokine in the rheumatoid synovium.3
ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA has undergone one of the largest Phase III clinical development programmes for a biologic in RA, with 4,009 patients receiving ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA and a total observation time of 12,293 patient-years (OPTION, TOWARD, RADIATE, AMBITION and LITHE)4,5 establishing ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA as an effective treatment for RA patients, with a safety profile that is stable over time.
Within this section you will also find useful information and advice for monitoring patients during treatment with ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA and also important safety information that healthcare professionals should be aware of when treating patients with ACTEMRA/RoACTEMRA.
References:
- Choy E. Rheum Dis Clin Am 2004; 30:405–415.
- Naka T, et al. Arthritis Res 2002; 4(Suppl. 3):S233–S242.
- Madhok R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 1993; 52:232–234.
- RoACTEMRA® (tocilizumab) Summary of Product Characteristics. Roche Registration Limited. August 2011.
- Genovese M, et al. Arthritis Rheum 2011; 63(Suppl.):S866.