Genentech has announced data from the ADACTA study comparing the reduction in signs and symptoms during monotherapy treatment with Actemra (tocilizumab) versus Adalimumab in adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have either intolerance to MTX or for whom continued MTX treatment is inappropriate.
The RA patients who received Actemra as single-agent therapy in the Phase 4 multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, parallel group study, experienced a significantly greater improvement in disease activity after 24 weeks, compared to patients who received Adalimumab as single-agent therapy.
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Genentech global product development head and chief medical officer, Hal Barron, said that since there are a number of therapies approved for patients with RA, it is important for them and their healthcare provider to have the information they need to choose the best individual treatment option.
"This study showed that for patients requiring biologic monotherapy, Actemra was more effective than Adalimumab, meaning that patients were more likely to experience DAS28 remission, greater improvement in joint pain and swelling, and an improved quality of life," Barron added.
The study demonstrated that after 24 weeks of treatment, adult RA patients achieved a mean improvement in disease activity (DAS28 score reduction) of 3.3 with Actemra, compared to 1.8 with Adalimumab.
A DAS28 remission rate of 40% with Actemra versus 11% with Adalimumab was observed.
Adverse event profiles were comparable in the two treatment groups and the safety data of Actemra in the study was consistent with the previous trials.
Changes in laboratory values such as transaminase elevations, neutrophil reductions and LDL elevations occurred in both arms, with the proportion of patients with abnormal values higher in the Actemra arm.
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