June 8 (Reuters) – Roche (ROG.VX) said on Tuesday the European Commission had extended the label for its drug Roactemra to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage and improve physical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, when given in combination with the older drug methotrexate.
The move had been expected following a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency in April.
The drug, which is known as Actemra in the United States, is currently approved for use in combination with methotrexate to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who respond inadequately to other treatments.
The new label extension is a recognition that Roactemra can also inhibit structural damage to joints, reinforcing its effectiveness.
(Writing by Ben Hirschler)
