Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (RHHBY.PK), announced that the SUMMACTA study met its primary endpoint, showing comparable efficacy (non-inferiority) of the subcutaneous formulation of ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) 162mg weekly compared to 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA intravenous formulation every four weeks.
A similar proportion of rheumatoid arthritis patients in each group achieved an ACR20 response at Week 24, a measure indicating improvement in the number of tender and swollen joints, pain scale, patients' and physicians' assessment of improvement and certain laboratory markers.
Hal Barron, chief medical officer and head, Global Product Development, stated, "We are very pleased with these data showing that subcutaneous administration of ACTEMRA provides clinically meaningful and comparable results to the IV infusion. This may provide patients and their doctors with an important additional treatment option."
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