Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the lining of the joints, causing joint pain and damage. It is two to three times more common in women, and it generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Last week, Roche announced one-year results from a Phase III clinical study showing that tocilizumab (trade name Actemra®) can significantly inhibit the progression of structural joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Structural joint damage is an important measure of the effectiveness of rheumatoid arthritis treatment because it contributes to disability and loss of physical function. In this clinical trial, patients were treated with either tocilizumab and methotrexate (a standard rheumatoid arthritis drug) or placebo and methotrexate. After 52 weeks, patients treated with tocilizumab demonstrated a significant reduction in structural joint damage. The study also showed that tocilizumab reduces the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis at one year.

The results of this study support those of four previous Phase III clinical trials, making tocilizumab a promising possible first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis for patients who do not respond to standard and currently available therapies. Currently, more than half of rheumatoid arthritis patients have some degree of disability after 10 years, so a drug that potentially slows the progression of the disease would be welcome.