Genentech granted supplemental approval for Actemra

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Food and Drug Administration has expanded the approved usage of a drug made by Genentech, part of Swiss drug maker Roche.

The FDA approved Actemra (tocilizumab) for the inhibition and slowing of structural joint damage, improvement of physical function and achievement of clinical response in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The drug originally was approved as a treatment for RA last year.

“This FDA approval further supports the efficacy of Actemra and follows a similar approval in the [European Union],” Genentech chief medical officer and head of global product development Hal Barron said. “For those who are faced with the daily challenges of RA, inhibition and slowing of joint damage is imperative if patients are to truly achieve their treatment goals.”