A Study to Compare Subcutaneous Versus Intravenous Administration of RoActemra/Actemra (Tocilizumab) in Participants With Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Study Summary

This randomized, double-blind, parallel group study compares the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (sc) versus intravenous (iv) administration of tocilizumab in participants with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis. Participants were randomized to receive either tocilizumab 162 mg sc weekly plus iv placebo every 4 weeks, or tocilizumab 8 mg/kg iv every 4 weeks plus sc placebo weekly during the double-blind period from baseline to Week 24. The double-blind period was followed by a 72-week open-label treatment with some switching of sc and iv administration. No placebo was administered in the open-label phase. Participants continued on their stable dose of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) throughout the study. Anticipated time on study treatment was 2 years.

Primary Outcome

ACR20 response is defined as a ≥ 20% improvement (reduction) compared with baseline for both total joint count-68 joints (TJC68) and swollen joint count-66 joints (SJC66), as well as for three of the five additional ACR core set variables: Patient's Assessment of Pain over the previous 24 hours using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) where left end of the line 0=no pain to right end of the line 100=unbearable pain; Patient's Global Assessment of Disease Activity and Physician's Global Assessment of Di

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DRUG tocilizumab SC
• DRUG tocilizumab IV
• DRUG placebo to tocilizumab SC
• DRUG placebo to tocilizumab IV
• DRUG Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Study Locations (20)