Roche reports positive results for Actemra

BASEL, Switzerland Roche announced late last week that its rheumatoid arthritis drug Actemra limited structural damage to joints in a late-stage study, according to Bloomberg.

Actemra given with a standard therapy inhibited joint damage in a “greater proportion” of the patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, according to the company. The drug also helped improve physical function after a year of treatment in the 1,196-person trial and was well tolerated.

“By demonstrating an inhibition of joint damage and improving physical function, Actemra not only positively impacts the disease, but also helps patients to improve the quality of their lives,” William Burns, the head of Roche’s pharmaceuticals division, said in a statement.

The Food and Drug Administration is still reviewing the drug for approval.