Arthritis Clinical Trials

This 3-part study will evaluate 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 will receive iv infusions of tocilizumab (8mg/kg for patients >/=30kg, 8mg/kg or 10mg/kg for patients <30kg) every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. For Part II, patients with an adequate response in Part I will be 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 will receive 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 NSAIDs, corticosteroids or methotrexate will continue throughout the study. Anticipated time on study treatment is 2 years, and target sample size is 150-200 individuals.