NICE approval for arthritis antibody

on the 26 August 2010

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can now be treated with tocilizumab (RoActemra) on the NHS.

Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that prevents interleukin-6 binding to its receptor.

NICE has recommended tocilizumab, in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other TNF inhibitors. Patients must have also either failed to respond to, or be unsuitable, for treatment with rituximab.

Patients already receiving tocilizumab who do not meet the above criteria should be able to continue treatment until they and their doctor decide it is appropriate to stop, says NICE.

NICE has previously approved the TNF inhibitors adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and certolizumab pegol for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

NICE guidance on tocilizumab