Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the European Commission (EC) has approved Actemra®/RoActemra® (tocilizumab) for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a chronic and potentially life-threatening autoimmune condition. Actemra/RoActemra is the first therapy approved for the treatment of GCA in Europe.
“In giant cell arteritis (GCA) the blood vessels in the head and neck, as well as the aorta, become inflamed and thickened, reducing blood flow. This can result in devastating symptoms, including irreversible blindness, and puts patients at risk of permanent organ damage,” said Sandra Horning, MD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Global Head of Product Development. “We are delighted that Actemra/RoActemra has been approved for the treatment of GCA in Europe. As the first effective non-steroid therapy for GCA, Actemra/RoActemra has the potential to fundamentally change how this condition is treated.”
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