RESEARCH - Actemra (tocilizumab) linked to deaths in Japan

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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.

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Read the full article here:

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

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