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Phase 3 study shows positive results with tocilizumab for giant cell arteritis
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Genentech announced positive results from its phase 3 study that evaluated tocilizumab in patients with giant cell arteritis.
According to a company press release, the phase 3 study showed that in newly diagnosed or relapsing patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA), tocilizumab more effectively sustained remission through 1 year when initially combined with a 6-month steroid regimen compared with a 6-month or 12-month steroid-only regimen. The study showed no new safety signals and the adverse events were similar to previous tocilizumab (Actemra) clinical studies.
“These results are encouraging for patients with this rare disease, for which there have been no new treatments in more than 50 years,” Sandra Horning, MD, chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development, said in the release. “Currently, long-term high-dose steroids are the mainstay treatment for GCA, but they can cause their own serious adverse effects. If approved, Actemra will provide an important new alternative to long-term steroid use for people with GCA.”
Reference:
www.gene.com/media/press-releases/14630/2016-06-05/phase-iii-study-shows-genentechs-actemra