RoActemra tocilizumab regulatory update

The U.K.'s NICE issued guidance recommending the use of Roche's RoActemra tocilizumab in combination with methotrexate to treat moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in patients who responded inadequately to TNF alpha inhibitors and MabThera rituximab. RoActemra, a humanized mAb against IL-6 receptor, is also recommended in patients who responded inadequately to TNF alpha inhibitors when MabThera is contraindicated or has been withdrawn due to an adverse event. The guidance is in line with a July final appraisal determination (FAD) (see BioCentury, July 5). ...