ACTEMRA Inhibits Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain and Functional Disabilities

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful inflammation of the tissue around the joints and, affects other organs in the body 1. This autoimmune disease (When the immune system attacks healthy body tissues mistakenly 1) is a chronic type of arthritis: Muscle aches, loss of appetite, flu like symptoms, and fatigue. 2 "Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease, affecting approximately 1.3 million people in the United Sates." 1 Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA - categorized in three severities) occurs in children sixteen and younger (Predominantly in Caucasian children compared to African American or Asian American Children. "JRA affects girls twice as often as boys.") Rheumatoid arthritis affects bone development during childhood but not a life - long chronic disease compared to adult RA. 3 Methotrexate (MTX) until recently was the standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In May 2009 RioActemra (tocilizumab) a new and more effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis became available for purchase. About half RA recipients taking the new medication reached remission ("minimal signs and symptoms) within one year. 4

Rheumatoid arthritis (One of more 100 forms of arthritis 5) disease leads to eroding of the cartilage, bone, and ligaments, as result deforming joints. RA occurs frequently between 40 - 60 years old and predominantly this autoimmune disease is hereditary or genetically linked.1 Other factors such as exposure to immunization, medications, and smoking may cause rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests, X-rays and MRI exams help to diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis. 5 Researchers established RA is an autoimmune disease: "Immune cells, called lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor/TNF, interleukin-1/IL-1, and interleukin-6/IL-6) are expressed in the inflamed areas." 6

In May 2009, Roche pharmaceutical (Hoffman - La Roche Inc, based in Nutely N.J. United States pharmaceuticals headquarters of the Roche Group 7) introduced a new drug, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in Ireland. The new drug RoActemra (tocilizumab or Actemra (R) 8) provides a fast relief from the symptoms and signs, especially pain from rheumatoid arthritis. 4 Actemra approved for sale in the United Kingdom 8 (Also, approved for sale in Switzerland, Molodova, Kuwait, Brazil, and Liechtenstain 11) The medication can be taken in combination with Methotrexate (MTX) or taken alone for patients intolerable taking MTX. RoActemra works by blocking or inhibiting monoclonal antibody (chemical influences) of interleukn - 6 / IL. Signs and symptoms of RA are eliminated & fatigue and inflammation is reduced. "It also stops the disease from progressing, both in the joints and throughout the body." 4 Roche reported a two year study (1,200 patients from 137 sites and 15 countries), confirms the effectiveness and positive results, when RoAchemra taken alone or combined with Methotrexate (MTX). ACTEMRA is administered in 8 and 4 mg/kg. 7

In June 2009, during the 10th Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) in Copenhagen, Denmark - One year scientific research ACTEMRA results will be presented, affirming the drug inhibited joint damage, disability and loss of physical function for rheumatoid arthritis patients. 7

Roche and Chugai (Subsidiary drug manufacturer operating in Japan 9) co-developed RoActemra. "In Jpan, Actemra was launched by Chugai in June 2005 as therapy for Castleman's disease (A rare medical disorder described as cancerous growths or tumors may occur in the lymph node tissue or throughout the body. 10) In April 2008 Actemra approved for sale in Japan for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 4 Most common, generally mild, and reversible adverse reaction to Actermra include: Headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and increase liver enzymes. "Treatments that suppress the immune system, such as RoActemra, may cause an increase in the risk of maligancies." 4

Data collected from the two year study of ACTEMRA submitted to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, seeking future sale approval. 7 Advisory Panel of medical experts recommended to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) sale of ACTEMRA, despite medical concerns the immunosuppressive actions of the medication could attribute to liver problems, serious infections, and malignancies. Analysts expect if ACTEMRA approved for sale in the United States, will bring $800 to $4 billion annual sales for Roche. 12

References:

1.) Rheuatold Arthritis (RA) - http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm

2.) Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center - http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm

3.) Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1196/mainpageS1196P0.html

4.) Breakthrough Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis Offers New Hope to Patients - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151713.php

5.) Rheumatolgoy (Arthritis Center) - Rheumatoid Arthritis - http://www.metrohealth.org/body.cfm?id=1611&oTopID=1604

6.) What causes rheumatoid arthritis? - http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/page2.htm

7.) Two-Year Reinforce Effect OF ACTEMRA(R)) (tocilizumb in inhibiting Progression of Joint Damage and Improving Physical Function in Arthritis) - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151319.php

8.) Tocilizumab: a review of its use in the management of rheumatoid arthritis - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19368420

9.) Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chugai_Pharmaceutical_Co.

10.) Castleman's disease - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castleman's_disease

11.) Rheumatoid Arthritis - http://www.roche.com/products/product-list.htm?type=diseases&id=50

12.) Advisory Panel recommends Actemra to FDA - http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/advisory-panel-recommends-actemra-fda/2008-07-30