A Study of Tocilizumab in Patients With Active Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Study Summary

This 3-part study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with active polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis who have an inadequate response to, or were intolerant of methotrexate. In Part I of the study, all patients received intravenous (iv) infusions of tocilizumab (8 mg/kg for patients ≥ 30kg, 8 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for patients \< 30kg) every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. In Part II of the study, patients with an adequate response in Part I were randomized to receive either tocilizumab at the same dose as in Part I or placebo every 4 weeks for up to 24 weeks. In Part III of the study, patients received tocilizumab at the same dose as in Part I every 4 weeks for up to another 64 weeks. Standard of care therapy with or without non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), corticosteroids, or methotrexate was continued throughout the study.

Primary Outcome

JIA ACR30 flare is defined as a ≥ 30% worsening of 3 of 6 variables and no more than 1 of the remaining variables improving \> 30%. The 6 variables are physician global assessment of disease activity (worsening of 20 units minimum on a 0-100 visual analog scale \[VAS\]), parent/patient global assessment of overall well-being (worsening of 20 VAS units minimum), number of joints (minimum of 2 worse) with active arthritis (swelling, or pain and limitation of motion), number of joints (minimum of 2

Interventions

• DRUG Placebo
• DRUG Tocilizumab