Visit our Covid-19 microsite for the latest coronavirus news, analysis and updates Roche unit Genentech received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to conduct a Phase III clinical trial of its rheumatoid arthritis drug Actemra (tocilizumab) to treat adults with severe Covid-19 pneumonia.
To be performed in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the trial will assess intravenous Actemra and standard of care combination in hospitalised patients.
Genentech also agreed to supply 10,000 vials of the drug to the US Strategic National Stockpile for potential use in the future at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s direction.