From Earlier: Genentech Reports Positive Study of ACTEMRA Given by Subcutaneous Injection

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group

, today announced that the SUMMACTA study met its primary endpoint, showing comparable efficacy (non-inferiority) of the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of ACTEMRA (tocilizumab) 162mg weekly compared to 8 mg/kg ACTEMRA intravenous (IV) formulation every four weeks. A similar proportion of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 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.