[Actemra image courtesy of Roche]
Roche (SIX:RO,ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) has announced that it has received FDA approval for the intravenous (IV) monoclonal antibody Actemra (tocilizumab).Tocilizumab, which targets the interleukin-6 receptor, first won FDA approval to treat rheumatoid arthritis in 2010. Since then, the monoclonal antibody has won a string of additional indications related to arthritis, giant cell arteritis and CAR-T cell-induced cytokine release syndrome.
Interleukin-6 can act as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Researchers have found elevated levels of the interleukin in patients with severe COVID-19.
The most recent indication covers hospitalized adults receiving systemic corticosteroids who need supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
The monoclonal antibody is the first to win approval for patients with se…