Genentech from the Roche Group announced Sunday that their study evaluating Actemra (tocilizumab) in people with giant cell arteritis showed very promising results. Roche said in a statement that the study showed 56 percent of patients treated with Actemra - known as RoActemra in European markets - achieved steroid-free disease remission at one year, versus 14 percent with a six-month steroid only taper regimen.
What Is Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is the most common form of vasculitis which affects adults; with most patients acquiring it after the age of 50. The most common effects of GCA are headaches, joint pain, facial pain, fever, and difficulties with vision, and sometimes permanent visual loss in one or both eyes. It can also lead to Aortic aneurysm, a bulge that forms in a weakened blood vessel, usually in the aorta. GCA may also lead to stroke.
Common Treatment For GCA May Result To Depression
Steroid medication is the preferred treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA). A type of steroid medicine called prednisolone is usually prescribed. However, about 1 in 20 people who take prednisolone will experience changes in their mental state when they take the medication. Patients have reported feeling very depressed and suicidal, very anxious, or very confused. Some people also experience hallucinations.
Genentech's Actemra enabled significantly more patients to achieve sustained disease remission while also significantly reducing steroid exposure compared with steroids alone. Sandra Horning, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development said: "Treatment to date for GCA has been limited to high-dose steroids to rapidly control inflammation and prevent serious complications. However, steroid treatment often fails to control disease in the long-term and can be associated with severe side effects. If approved, Actemra could have the potential to fundamentally change the way people with GCA are treated."
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for GCA to Actemra's rheumatoid arthritis medication for giant cell arthritis in October.
