Roche reports positive new data for subcutaneous RoActemra

Roche has published data from a new clinical trial that further supports the safety and efficacy of RoActemra among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The Brevacta study showed that the drug, when administered subcutaneously, was able to deliver significant improvements in terms of reducing the likelihood of tender and swollen joints compared to placebo.

Brevacta is the second trial to demonstrate the benefits of this new RoActemra formulation and follows on from the positive data from the Summacta study published earlier this year.

Both studies will be submitted to global health authorities as Roche attempts to secure regulatory approval for subcutaneous RoActemra.

Dr Hal Barron, head of global product development and chief medical officer for Roche, said: "These two studies mark a significant milestone for RoActemra, consistently demonstrating that a subcutaneous formulation provides clinically meaningful results for patients with rheumatoid arthritis."

Last week, the company announced its financial results for the first half of 2012, during which it experienced a three percent annual increase in sales.