Arthritis Clinical Trials

This randomized, double-blind, parallel group study will compare the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (sc) versus intravenous (iv) administration of RoActemra/Actemra (tocilizumab) in patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis. Patients will be randomized to receive either RoActemra/Actemra 162 mg sc weekly plus iv placebo every 4 weeks, or RoActemra/Actemra 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 will be followed by a 72-week open-label treatment with some switching of sc and iv administration. No placebo will be administered in the open-label phase. Patients will continue on their stable dose of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) throughout the study. Anticipated time on study treatment is 2 years.