FDA Approves Tocilizumab for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

by Jon Giles, M.D.

January 11, 2010

On January 8, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved tocilizumab (to be marketed under the trade name of Actemra) for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had inadequate clinical responses to treatment with TNF inhibitors.  Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor for IL-6, a cytokine increased in the blood and joints of RA patients and a contributor to many of the signs and symptoms of RA.  The drug is administered as a monthly intravenous infusion dosed on weight. 

Previous summaries of clinical trials data of tocilizumab can be found by visiting the following links:

• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/education/eular2007/tocilizumab-an-inhibitor-of-il-6.html
• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/education/acr2007/rheumatoid-arthritis/abstract-L15.html
• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-news/2006/tocilizumab_ra.html
• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/education/acr2008/ra-il6-directed-therapies.html
• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/education/acr2007/rheumatoid-arthritis/abstract-2089.html
• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/education/eular2006/ra-treatments-other.html
• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/education/eular2008/RA-Anti-IL6-Therapy/abstract-op-0251.html
• http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/education/eular2008/RA-Anti-IL6-Therapy/abstract-op-0131.html

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