RESEARCH - Actemra is the first biologic to show better efficacy than MTX in RA

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Actemra Is First Biologic Agent To Show Better Efficacy Than Methotrexate In RA

Medical News Today

Article Date: 17 Jun 2008 - 9:00 PDT

PARIS: The interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor Actemra (tocilizumab)

achieves significantly greater reduction in the signs and symptoms of

rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than the current standard of care,

methotrexate, according to two international clinical trials reported

this week at EULAR 2008, the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology.

The phase III AMBITION (Actemra versus Methotrexate double-Blind

Investigative Trial In mONotherapy) trial randomised 673 patients with

active moderate to severe RA, including a high proportion of patients

with early disease, to Actemra (8mg/kg) or methotrexate.

Results showed significantly greater reduction in the signs and

symptoms of RA at six months in patients treated with Actemra than in

those given methotrexate. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of patients

treated with Actemra achieved a 20% reduction in their symptoms

(ACR20) after 24 weeks, compared to 53% of those treated with

methotrexate. No previous biologic therapy has demonstrated superior

efficacy to methotrexate in this key measure of RA symptoms by six

months.

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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/111640.php

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