Actemra/RoActemra is a first-in-class anti-interleukin-6 receptor (aIL-6R) therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, giant cell arteritis and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell induced severe or life-threatening cytokine release syndrome, in addition to COVID-19. It is approved in more than 110 countries.
Prequalification is a confirmation by WHO that Actemra/RoActemra meets the WHO standards for quality, safety and efficacy for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults who are receiving systemic corticosteroids and require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
“People from many low- and middle-income countries continue to feel the devastating impact of COVID-19, and care needs remain unprecedented,” said Bill Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Roche Pharmaceuticals.
“We’ve partnered with WHO and others throughout the last year to ensure that our COVID-19 medicines and tests can potentially reach more than 100 low- and middle-income countries, and WHO’s prequalification of Actemra/RoActemra is just one of the paths taken together to achieve this. We will keep working tirelessly so that our COVID-19 care options reach as many people in need as possible.”
A single dose tocilizumab reportedly goes for up to $600 in lower-income countries, WHO said, adding though that its prequalification should help make it more accessible as many generic companies are already producing tocilizumab, some of which have also applied for prequalification
WHO said it was currently discussing with Roche how to lower prices and improve access in low- and middle-income countries.
Actemra/RoActemra and Ronapreve (casirivimab and imdevimab, known as REGEN-COV in the United States) were recommended in WHO’s Therapeutics and COVID-19 Living Guideline last year. ■
An upper level high pressure system is expected to continue aiding well above average and potentially dangerous temperatures throughout the West into the first full weekend of September.