The Food & Drug Administration has given the green light to the first in a new class of medications for rheumatoid arthritis.
Actemra works to limit Interleukin-6, a protein involved in causing inflamed joints and other symptoms of R-A.
The drug is aimed toward patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who aren't getting enough relief with commonly prescribed R-A drugs, such as Enbrel or Remicade.
The medication can be given with or without methotrexate.
Genentech, the maker of Actemra, says it should be available next week.
