Arthritis Clinical Trials

This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel group study will evaluate the impact of methotrexate (MTX) discontinuation on the efficacy of subcutaneous RoActemra/Actemra (tocilizumab) in patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have an inadequate response to current MTX therapy. Patients will be initiated on RoActemra/Actemra 162 mg weekly or every 2 weeks, remaining on a stable dose of MTX. At Week 24, patients achieving a disease activity score (DAS28) </=3.2 will be randomized to either continue receiving a stable dose of MTX or to switch to matching placebo until Week 52. In an MRI substudy of patients in both treatment arms (MTX or placebo), MRI images of hands and wrists will be obtained and analyzed.