The drug Actemra (tocilizumab) is a more effective treatment for giant cell arteritis than steroids, a recent study has shown. The results of the trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) revealed more than half (56 percent) of patients treated weekly with Actemra saw sustained remission of the condition at week 52, compared with just 14 percent of patients in the placebo group.
Actemra gained approval as a treatment for giant cell arteritis from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2017. The regulatory body expedited the development and review of the application due to a "critical need" for more treatment options for patients with this serious disease. Hoffman La Roche, the pharmaceutical firm behind the drug, was granted a Breakthrough Therapy designation and Priority Review status for Actemra by the FDA.
John Stone, MD, MPH, of the Massachusetts General Hospital Rheumatology Unit and lead and corresponding author of the NEJM report, commented: "This trial is the first to demonstrate beyond any doubt that an alternative to chronic, unending steroid treatment exists."
"Our data strongly indicate that patients with giant cell arteritis should receive this drug as early in their treatment course as possible, since delay would simply extend the time they must remain on steroids," he added.
Giant cell arteritis affects around 250,000 people in the US and is three times more likely to be found in women than men. Drugs currently used to treat patients with giant cell arteritis include corticosteroids, such as Prednisolone (prednisolone), immunosuppressants, and proton pump inhibitors, for example, First-Omeprazole (omeprazole). According to the author of the latest study, the results will have an "immediate, sustained impact" on the lives of thousands of patients who suffer from the condition.
What is Actemra?
Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling pathway. The drug is already approved for subcutaneous administration to treat rheumatoid arthritis and for intravenous administration for a number of other forms of arthritis.
What are the side effects of Actemra?
Actemra affects the immune system and may make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. Healthcare providers should test for tuberculosis before prescribing the drug. Other possible side effects include tears in the stomach or intestines, cancer, and changes in certain laboratory test results. These include low neutrophil counts, low platelet counts, increase in liver function, and increase in blood cholesterol levels.
Who should not take Actemra?
Patients with allergies to tocilizumab should not take Actemra. Before starting a course of treatment, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have: an infection, liver problems, stomach pain, diverticulitis, ulcers in the stomach or intestines.
Providers should also be informed if patients are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and if they have recently received a vaccine. Patients should not receive live vaccines (such as the MMR or Varicella vaccine) if taking Actemra.
For more information on Actemra, visit https://www.actemra.com
