Re: RESEARCH - Actemra (tocilizumab) linked to deaths in Japan

[Guest guest]

WOW!! I am soooo glad that I quit that Roche study on the safety and efficacy of

Tocilizumab! I had three infusions and never felt good after any of them, yet

did not know for sure if I was getting the placebo or the real deal. Either way,

I'm glad I quit the study.....

Doreen

>

> 2nd UPDATE: Chugai, Roche Face Arthritis Drug Risk Setback

>

>

> The Wall Street Journal

> MARCH 18, 2009, 7:46 A.M. ET

> By Yoshio Takahashi and Maxwell

>

>

> TOKYO (Dow )--In a major setback for drug giant Roche Holding

> AG (ROG.VX), its Japanese unit Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. (4519.TO)

> Wednesday said a study showed its rheumatoid arthritis treatment

> Actemra might be a causal factor in the deaths of 15 Japanese

> patients, with heavy side effects detected in over 200 cases.

>

> A spokesman for Chugai, 60%-owned by Roche, confirmed local media

> reports on a study into nearly 5,000 cases. With Chugai shares

> falling sharply on the news, he said the company will continue to

> sell the agent by providing more information so that doctors can

> have a better understanding of the drug's possible side effects.

>

> " We can't deny that there is a causal relationship, " the Chugai

> spokesman said.

>

> The study was conducted by the Japanese company as part of

> requirements imposed by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and

> Welfare when the drug was approved.

>

> ****************************************

> Read the full article here:

>

> http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090318-705472.html

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

[Guest guest]

Doreen,

Chugai is claiming that the death rate is similar to that found in the

clinical trials and is comparable to that of the other biologics.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080 & sid=aBv.PJDjAMNs & refer=asia

Not an MD

On Sat, Mar 21, 2009 at 5:56 PM, Mimi <mimi212@...> wrote:

> WOW!! I am soooo glad that I quit that Roche study on the safety and

> efficacy of Tocilizumab! I had three infusions and never felt good after any

> of them, yet did not know for sure if I was getting the placebo or the real

> deal. Either way, I'm glad I quit the study.....

>

> Doreen