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A Study of RoActemra/Actemra (Tocilizumab) With or Without Methotrexate in Patients With Mild to Moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis With an Inadequate Response to Methotrexate

A Multi-center Study of the Safety and Effect on Disease Activity of Tocilizumab (TCZ) in Combination With Methotrexate (MTX) Versus Tocilizumab Monotherapy in Patients With Mild to Moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis, With Inadequate Response to MTX (Defined as DAS 28 < 4,5 and >2,6)

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01587989
Enrollment
77
Registered
2012-04-30
Start date
2012-02-29
Completion date
2014-02-28
Last updated
2015-07-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Brief summary

This multicenter study with a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group phase will evaluate the safety and efficacy of RoActemra/Actemra (tocilizumab) in combination with methotrexate versus RoActemra/Actemra monotherapy in patients with mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis, with an inadequate response to methotrexate. Patients will receive RoActemra/Actemra 8 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks plus oral methotrexate 15-25 mg weekly for 12 weeks. Patients with a good/moderate EULAR response will then be randomized to receive either RoActemra/Actemra plus methotrexate or RoActemra/Actemra plus placebo for the following 12 weeks. Anticipated time on study treatment is 6 months.

Interventions

DRUGmethotrexate

15-25 mg orally weekly, Weeks 1-12

DRUGplacebo

methotrexate placebo orally weekly, Weeks 13-24

DRUGtocilizumab [RoActemra/Actemra]

8 mg/kg iv every 4 weeks, 24 weeks

Sponsors

Hoffmann-La Roche
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Adult patients, \>/= 18 years of age * Rheumatoid arthritis of \>/= 1 year duration * Mild to moderate disease activity at screening (DAS 28 \</= 4.5 and \>2.6) * On methotrexate treatment for at least 12 weeks, at stable oral dose of (10)15 mg to 25 mg/week for at least 6 weeks prior to Day 1 * Body weight \</= 150 kg * Oral corticosteroids must have been at stable dose (maximum 10 mg/day) for at least 25 out of 28 days prior to baseline

Exclusion criteria

* Major surgery (including joint surgery) within 8 weeks prior to screening or planned major surgery within 6 months after baseline * Rheumatic autoimmune disease other than rheumatoid arthritis * Functional class IV American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Classification * Prior history of or current inflammatory joint disease other than rheumatoid arthritis * Treatment with a biologic agent at any time prior to baseline * Treatment with traditional DMARDs other than methotrexate within 1 month (for leflunomide 3 months) prior to baseline * Intraarticular or parenteral corticosteroids within 6 weeks prior to baseline * Previous treatment with tocilizumab * Pregnant or lactating women * Uncontrolled disease states, such as asthma, psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease where flares are commonly treated with oral or parenteral corticosteroids * Known active current or history of recurrent bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial or other infections * History of or currently active primary or secondary immunodeficiency * Evidence of active malignant disease, malignancies diagnosed within the previous 5 years * Active tuberculosis requiring treatment within the previous 3 years * Positive for HIV infection

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in DAS28Weeks 12 and 24The DAS28 is a combined index for measuring disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The index includes swollen joint counts (SJC) and tender joint counts (TJC), both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity), as well as acute phase response (APR) determined as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and general health (GH), both scored 1-100 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity). DAS28 was calculated according to the following formula: DAS28 equals (=) \[0.56 multiplied by (\*) the square root (√) of TJC\] plus (+) \[0.28 \* √ of SJC\] + (0.70 \* the natural logarithm (ln) ESR in millimeters per hour (mm/h)\] + \[0.014 \* GH in mm visual analogue assessment (VAS)\]. A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
vPercentage of Participants With Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Remission at Week 24Week 24The CDAI is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. CDAI is the sum of TJC and SJC, both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity), as well as patient global assessment (PGA) and evaluator global assessment (EGA) of disease activity, both scored 0 to 10 centimeter (cm) as assessed by VAS. CDAI was calculated according to the following formula: CDAI = SJC + TJC + PGA + EGA. CDAI \< 2.8 = remission.
Percentage of Participants With Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) Remission at Week 24Week 24The SDAI is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. SDAI is the sum of TJC and SJC, both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity), PGA and EGA of disease activity, both scored 0 to 10 cm as assessed by VAS, and C-reactive protein level (CRP) in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) where normal \< 1 mg/dL. CDAI was calculated according to the following formula: SDAI = TJC + SJC + PGA + EGA + CRP. SDAI \< 3.3 = remission.
Percentage of Participants With Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-5) Remission at Week 24Week 24The RADAI-5 is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. RADAI-5 is comprised of the following 5 questions: how active was your arthritis the last 6 months? (0 = completely inactive to 10 = extremely active); how active is your arthritis today with respect to joint tenderness and swelling? (0 = completely inactive to 10 = extremely active); how severe is your arthritis pain today? (0 = no pain to 10 = unbearable pain); how would you describe your general health today? (0 = very good to 10 = very bad); and did you experience joint (hand) stiffness on awakening yesterday morning? If yes, how long did this stiffness last? (0 = no stiffness to 10 = stiffness the whole day). RADAI was calculated according to the following formula: \[question (Q) 1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5\]/5. RADAI-5 from 0-1.4 = remission.
Percentage of Participants With DAS28 Remission at Week 24Week 24The DAS28 is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. The index includes SJC and TJC, both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity, as well as APR determined as ESR, and GH, both scored 1-100 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity). DAS28 was calculated according to the following formula: DAS28 = 0.56 \* √ of TJC + 0.28 \* √ of SJC + 0.70 \* ln ESR mm/hr + 0.014 \* GH in mm VAS. DAS28 \< 2.6 = remission.
Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) ScoreWeeks 12 and 24SF-36 scores were obtained by scoring participants' responses to a 36-item questionnaire. SF-36 evaluated 8 aspects of functional health and well being: physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role limitations, bodily pain, general health, vitality, mental health from a range of 1 (better) to 5 (worst). The score for each section was an average of the individual question scores, which were scaled 0-100 (100=highest level of functioning). These 8 aspects were summarized as physical and mental component scores. A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.
Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Visual Analog Scales (VAS) ScoresWeeks 12 and 24VAS scores were obtained by scoring participants' disease activity as assessed on a 0-100 millimeter (mm) horizontal visual scale. The left-hand extreme of the line = 0 mm (no disease activity = symptom-free and no arthritis symptoms), and the right-hand extreme of the line = 100 mm (maximum disease activity). A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.
Participant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreWeek 24TSQM scores were obtained by scoring participants' responses to a 14-item questionnaire. TSQM evaluated 4 aspects of treatment satisfaction: effectiveness, side effects, convenience, and global satisfaction from a range of 0 to 100 percent (%), with 100% being the best possible result.
Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) ScoreWeeks 12 and 24HAQ-DI scores were obtained by scoring participants' responses to a 20-item questionnaire. HAQ-DQ evaluated 8 domains of health: dressing/grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and common daily activities from a range of 0 (without any difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). The sum of scores was divided by the number of domains for a total score of 0 (best) to 3 (worst). A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.

Countries

Austria

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

The screening population consisted of men and women with mild-to-moderate active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Pre-study methotrexate (MTX) administration for at least 12 weeks. Participants experiencing inadequate response to MTX (Disease Activity Score Based on 28 Joints Count \[DAS28\] 28 less than \[\<\] 4,5 and greater than \[\>\] 2,6) enrolled.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Group A: TCZ + MTX
During a 12-week run-in period, all participants received TCZ 8 mg/kg, IV, every 4 weeks, from Weeks 1-12. Participants also received MTX 15-25 mg/week at a stable dose, PO as tablets, once per week, from Weeks 1-24. At Week 12, participants who had achieved a good or moderate EULAR response were randomized to receive MTX at the same dose they received from Weeks 1-12, PO as tablets, once per week, from Weeks 12-24. Participants also received TCZ 8 mg/kg, IV, every 4 weeks, from Weeks 12-24. Participants also received NSAIDs and oral corticosteroids (≤ 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) according to the standard of care of the treatment site from Weeks 1-24. Participants also received folic acid, ≥ 5 mg/week, PO, from Weeks 1-24.
32
Group B: TCZ + Placebo
During a 12-week run-in period, all participants received TCZ 8 mg/kg, IV, every 4 weeks, from Weeks 1-12. Participants also received MTX 15-25 mg/week at a stable dose, PO as tablets, once per week, from Weeks 1-12. At Week 12, participants who had achieved a good or moderate EULAR response were randomized to receive placebo, PO as tablets, once per week, from Weeks 12-24. Participants also received TCZ 8 mg/kg, IV, every 4 weeks, from Weeks 12-24. Participants also received NSAIDs and oral corticosteroids (≤ 10 mg/day prednisone or equivalent) according to the standard of care of the treatment site from Day 1 through Week 24. Participants also received folic acid, ≥ 5 mg/week, PO, from Weeks 1-24.
33
Total65

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
12-Week Open-Label Run-In PeriodNo EULAR Response400
12-Week Open-Label Run-In PeriodPhysician Decision700
12-Week Open-Label Run-In PeriodWithdrawal by Subject100
Randomized Study TreatmentPhysician Decision001
Randomized Study TreatmentScreening failure010
Randomized Study TreatmentWithdrawal by Subject010

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicGroup A: TCZ + MTXGroup B: TCZ + PlaceboTotal
Age, Continuous57.78 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.88
57.15 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.83
57.46 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.28
Sex: Female, Male
Female
26 Participants25 Participants51 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
6 Participants8 Participants14 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
14 / 3212 / 33
serious
Total, serious adverse events
2 / 325 / 33

Outcome results

Primary

Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in DAS28

The DAS28 is a combined index for measuring disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The index includes swollen joint counts (SJC) and tender joint counts (TJC), both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity), as well as acute phase response (APR) determined as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and general health (GH), both scored 1-100 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity). DAS28 was calculated according to the following formula: DAS28 equals (=) \[0.56 multiplied by (\*) the square root (√) of TJC\] plus (+) \[0.28 \* √ of SJC\] + (0.70 \* the natural logarithm (ln) ESR in millimeters per hour (mm/h)\] + \[0.014 \* GH in mm visual analogue assessment (VAS)\]. A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.

Time frame: Weeks 12 and 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group A: TCZ + MTXChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in DAS280.17 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.83
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in DAS28-0.16 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.13
p-value: 0.18895% CI: [-0.165, 0.82]t-test, 2 sided
Comparison: At Week 12.p-value: 0.015ANCOVA
Comparison: Adjusted change in DAS28 score from Weeks 12-24.p-value: 0.304ANCOVA
Secondary

Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score

HAQ-DI scores were obtained by scoring participants' responses to a 20-item questionnaire. HAQ-DQ evaluated 8 domains of health: dressing/grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and common daily activities from a range of 0 (without any difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). The sum of scores was divided by the number of domains for a total score of 0 (best) to 3 (worst). A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.

Time frame: Weeks 12 and 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group A: TCZ + MTXChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score0.04 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.28
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score-0.06 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.4
p-value: 0.842Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Score

SF-36 scores were obtained by scoring participants' responses to a 36-item questionnaire. SF-36 evaluated 8 aspects of functional health and well being: physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role limitations, bodily pain, general health, vitality, mental health from a range of 1 (better) to 5 (worst). The score for each section was an average of the individual question scores, which were scaled 0-100 (100=highest level of functioning). These 8 aspects were summarized as physical and mental component scores. A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.

Time frame: Weeks 12 and 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group A: TCZ + MTXChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) ScorePhysical standardized value0.89 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.48
Group A: TCZ + MTXChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) ScoreMental standardized value-5.41 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.24
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) ScorePhysical standardized value0.75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.08
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) ScoreMental standardized value-1.69 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.2
Comparison: Physical standardized valuep-value: 0.417Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Mental standardized valuep-value: 0.112Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Change From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Visual Analog Scales (VAS) Scores

VAS scores were obtained by scoring participants' disease activity as assessed on a 0-100 millimeter (mm) horizontal visual scale. The left-hand extreme of the line = 0 mm (no disease activity = symptom-free and no arthritis symptoms), and the right-hand extreme of the line = 100 mm (maximum disease activity). A negative change from randomization indicated improvement.

Time frame: Weeks 12 and 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group A: TCZ + MTXChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Visual Analog Scales (VAS) ScoresPain1.09 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 18.48
Group A: TCZ + MTXChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Visual Analog Scales (VAS) ScoresFatigue1.91 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.16
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Visual Analog Scales (VAS) ScoresPain-2.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 22.04
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboChange From Week 12 (Randomization) to Week 24 in Visual Analog Scales (VAS) ScoresFatigue-1.88 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.49
Comparison: Fatiguep-value: 0.655Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Painp-value: 0.839Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Participant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) Score

TSQM scores were obtained by scoring participants' responses to a 14-item questionnaire. TSQM evaluated 4 aspects of treatment satisfaction: effectiveness, side effects, convenience, and global satisfaction from a range of 0 to 100 percent (%), with 100% being the best possible result.

Time frame: Week 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group A: TCZ + MTXParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreEffectiveness72.41 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 34.85
Group A: TCZ + MTXParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreSide-effects94.15 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.16
Group A: TCZ + MTXParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreConvenience85.48 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 21.97
Group A: TCZ + MTXParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreGlobal satisfaction86.64 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 21.09
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreGlobal satisfaction86.36 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.53
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreEffectiveness82.49 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.14
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreConvenience86.03 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.6
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboParticipant Satisfaction With Treatment as Assessed by Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) ScoreSide-effects94.89 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.7
Comparison: Effectivenessp-value: 0.58Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Side-effectsp-value: 0.975Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Conveniencep-value: 0.421Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Comparison: Global satisfactionp-value: 0.277Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Percentage of Participants With DAS28 Remission at Week 24

The DAS28 is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. The index includes SJC and TJC, both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity, as well as APR determined as ESR, and GH, both scored 1-100 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity). DAS28 was calculated according to the following formula: DAS28 = 0.56 \* √ of TJC + 0.28 \* √ of SJC + 0.70 \* ln ESR mm/hr + 0.014 \* GH in mm VAS. DAS28 \< 2.6 = remission.

Time frame: Week 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Group A: TCZ + MTXPercentage of Participants With DAS28 Remission at Week 2481.25 percentage of participants
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboPercentage of Participants With DAS28 Remission at Week 2487.50 percentage of participants
p-value: 0.732Fisher Exact
Secondary

Percentage of Participants With Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-5) Remission at Week 24

The RADAI-5 is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. RADAI-5 is comprised of the following 5 questions: how active was your arthritis the last 6 months? (0 = completely inactive to 10 = extremely active); how active is your arthritis today with respect to joint tenderness and swelling? (0 = completely inactive to 10 = extremely active); how severe is your arthritis pain today? (0 = no pain to 10 = unbearable pain); how would you describe your general health today? (0 = very good to 10 = very bad); and did you experience joint (hand) stiffness on awakening yesterday morning? If yes, how long did this stiffness last? (0 = no stiffness to 10 = stiffness the whole day). RADAI was calculated according to the following formula: \[question (Q) 1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5\]/5. RADAI-5 from 0-1.4 = remission.

Time frame: Week 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Group A: TCZ + MTXPercentage of Participants With Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-5) Remission at Week 2432.26 percentage of participants
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboPercentage of Participants With Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-5) Remission at Week 2454.55 percentage of participants
p-value: 0.084Fisher Exact
Secondary

Percentage of Participants With Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) Remission at Week 24

The SDAI is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. SDAI is the sum of TJC and SJC, both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity), PGA and EGA of disease activity, both scored 0 to 10 cm as assessed by VAS, and C-reactive protein level (CRP) in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) where normal \< 1 mg/dL. CDAI was calculated according to the following formula: SDAI = TJC + SJC + PGA + EGA + CRP. SDAI \< 3.3 = remission.

Time frame: Week 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Group A: TCZ + MTXPercentage of Participants With Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) Remission at Week 2440.63 percentage of participants
Group B: TCZ + PlaceboPercentage of Participants With Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) Remission at Week 2453.13 percentage of participants
p-value: 0.453Fisher Exact
Secondary

vPercentage of Participants With Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Remission at Week 24

The CDAI is a combined index for measuring disease activity in RA. CDAI is the sum of TJC and SJC, both scored 0-28 (higher scores indicate higher disease activity), as well as patient global assessment (PGA) and evaluator global assessment (EGA) of disease activity, both scored 0 to 10 centimeter (cm) as assessed by VAS. CDAI was calculated according to the following formula: CDAI = SJC + TJC + PGA + EGA. CDAI \< 2.8 = remission.

Time frame: Week 24

Population: ITT population

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Group A: TCZ + MTXvPercentage of Participants With Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Remission at Week 2434.38 percentage of participants
Group B: TCZ + PlacebovPercentage of Participants With Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Remission at Week 2453.13 percentage of participants
p-value: 0.207Fisher Exact

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026