2016: A Breakthrough Year for Giant Cell Arteritis

In October, the Food and Drug Administration granted breakthrough therapy designation for tocilizumab (Actemra, Genentech) to treat giant cell arteritis (GCA), a chronic, potentially life-threatening autoimmune condition. The phase III GiACTA study trial showed that tocilizumab, combined with glucocorticoid for six months, effectively sustained remission through one year as compared to a six- or 12-month steroid-only regimen. During the American College of Rheumatology meeting in November, John H. Stone, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital, shared findings from the trial. This slideshow summarizes the highlights from this pivotal study. 

References:

John H. Stone, Katie Tuckwell, et. al. "Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab in Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis: Primary and Secondary Outcomes from a Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial," ACR 2016. Abstract number 911.