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Biotech / Medical : Indications -- Psoriasis/Chronic Inflammation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: scaram(o)uche who wrote (298)	2/25/2003 4:46:36 PM
From: Icebrg	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 631

>> The Chugai news follows separate trials that indicate cancer drug MabThera -- whose rights are owned jointly by Roche, Genentech Inc (NYSE:DNA - News) and Idec (NasdaqNM:IDPH - News) -- is as safe and effective as existing RA drugs but cheaper and simpler to take.>> Just a little side-note. MabThera is Rituximab in Japanese. Erik

To: scaram(o)uche who wrote (298)	10/28/2003 9:11:58 AM
From: nigel bates	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 631

anti-IL-6R (MRA) / Roche / Chugai Roche Says MRA Substance Aids Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis Tuesday October 28, 7:09 am ET ZURICH -(Dow Jones)- Roche Holding AG and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Tuesday announced positive results of a large, double-blind, randomized Phase II clinical study with MRA, involving more than 350 adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. The data showed MRA to be a potentially effective treatment for adult RA. MRA is a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody that inhibits the function of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is well recognized as playing a central role in the inflammatory response. This large Phase II study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a range of doses of MRA given alone, and in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of adult RA. Professor Sir Ravinder Maini of The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, London stated, "The targeted blockade of the IL-6 signal represents an additional and potentially effective treatment option for adult RA, and the results of this large Phase II clinical study demonstrate the control of signs and symptoms and inflammation and safety profile of MRA in this disease. However, more studies need to be conducted before further conclusions can be drawn." MRA is a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody whose novel mechanism of action may provide a new and effective form of treatment for adult RA. Phase II studies have been completed in Japan and Europe. Phase III clinical development in RA has been initiated in Japan and is under preparation in Europe and the USA. A Phase II study with MRA in systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis is also ongoing in Europe. Company website: www.roche.com