Tocilizumab is more effective than adalimumab at reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

June 6, 2012 in Arthritis & Rheumatism

Data presented today at EULAR 2012, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, demonstrates that tocilizumab monotherapy is more effective than adalimumab monotherapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on change from baseline in DAS28 (-3.3 vs. -1.8, p<0.0001) at week 24. The ADACTA trial, conducted in 325 patients with RA showed that tocilizumab was more effective than adalimumab for DAS28 remission (39.9% vs 10.5%, p<0.0001), low disease activity (51.5% vs. 19.8%, p<0.0001) and ACR20/50/70 responses (65.0%, 47.2%, 32.5% respectively vs. 49.4%, 27.8%, 17.9%, p<0.01). Differences between arms were also noted in favour of tocilizumab from week eight onwards in swollen and tender joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, a test that indirectly measures the among of inflammation in the body), and patient global assessment.

"Approximately one third of patients with receive biologic and this is the first head-to-head trial comparing an IL-6 inhibitor to an anti-TNF, two therapies with different modes of action," said Professor Cem Gabay from University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland. "This study clearly shows the benefits of tocilizumab over on various measures of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and is the first study of its kind to determine superiority between two approved RA drugs."

The international, multicenter, randomised, double-blind, 24 week study was designed to test for treatment superiority in patients with an RA diagnosis of greater than six months who were methotrexate intolerant or for whom continued treatment with was inappropriate. Patients were randomly assigned to two arms for a total of 24 weeks: tocilizumab 8mg/kg IV every four weeks plus placebo or adalimumab 40mg subcutaneously every two weeks plus placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was mean change from baseline in DAS28 at 24 weeks.

The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar between groups, with 82.1% of patients having an AE in the tocilizumab arm and 82.7% in the adalimumab arm. Serious AEs and serious infections were also similar between groups (tocilizumab: 11.7%, 3.1%, adalimumab: 9.9%, 3.1%). Changes in transaminase, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) elevations, and neutrophil reductions occurred in both arms, with the proportion of patients with abnormal values higher in the tocilizumab arm. There were two deaths reported in the tocilizumab arm; one from sudden death and one from overdose.

More information: Abstract Number: LB0003

Provided by European League Against Rheumatism search and more info website

5 /5 (1 vote)  

Rank 5 /5 (1 vote)
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

Enzyme-activating antibodies revealed as marker for most severe form of rheumatoid arthritis

In a series of lab experiments designed to unravel the workings of a key enzyme widely considered a possible trigger of rheumatoid arthritis, researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that in the most severe ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created 17 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Sugar injections for knee arthritis may ease pain

(HealthDay)—Injections of a sugar solution appear to help relieve knee pain and stiffness related to osteoarthritis, a new study suggests.

Arthritis & Rheumatism created May 21, 2013 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Blame your parents for bunion woes

A novel study reports that white men and women of European descent inherit common foot disorders, such as bunions (hallux valgus) and lesser toe deformities, including hammer or claw toe. Findings from the Framingham Foot ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created May 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

New theory on genesis of osteoarthritis comes with successful therapy in mice

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have turned their view of osteoarthritis (OA) inside out. Literally. Instead of seeing the painful degenerative disease as a problem primarily of the cartilage that cushions joints, ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created May 19, 2013 | popularity 4.9 / 5 (8) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Ultrasound findings can improve classification of RA

(HealthDay)—Compared to clinical diagnosis of synovitis, ultrasound-detected synovitis provides either improved sensitivity or specificity when used with the American College of Rheumatology/European League ...

Arthritis & Rheumatism created May 15, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0


US teen birth rate drops to record low

US teen births have dropped to a record low, but the country still has one of the highest rates among developed nations, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

Slowing the aging process—only with antibiotics

Swiss scientists reveal the mechanism responsible for aging hidden deep within mitochondria—and dramatically slow it down in worms by administering antibiotics to the young.

Researchers complete largest genetic sequencing study of human disease

Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London have led the largest sequencing study of human disease to date, investigating the genetic basis of six autoimmune diseases.

Brain can be trained in compassion, study shows

Until now, little was scientifically known about the human potential to cultivate compassion—the emotional state of caring for people who are suffering in a way that motivates altruistic behavior.

Rate of bicycle-related fatalities significantly lower in states with helmet laws

Existing research shows that bicyclists who wear helmets have an 88 percent lower risk of brain injury, but researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that simply having bicycle helmet laws in place showed a 20 percent ...

Having both migraines, depression may mean smaller brain

(HealthDay)—Migraines and depression can each cause a great deal of suffering, but new research indicates the combination of the two may be linked to something else entirely—a smaller brain.