Shots:

• The P-III EMPACTA study involves assessing of Actemra + SOC vs PBO + SOC in 389 patients aged > 18yrs. with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection with SpO2 <94% while on ambient air who did not require non/ invasive mechanical ventilation across the US- South Africa- Kenya- Brazil- Mexico- and Peru
• Results: met its 1EPs i.e. 44% reduction in the likelihood of needing mechanical ventilation- @28days- the cumulative proportion of patients who progressed to mechanical ventilation or death (12.2% vs 19.3%)- the incidence of infection (10% vs 11%); the incidence of serious infection (5.0% vs 6.3%) respectively
• Actemra is the 1^st approved anti-IL-6 receptor biologic (both IV and SC) for adult patients with mod. to sev. active RA and is currently being investigated for COVID-19 associated pneumonia- including the P-III REMDACTA trial (in combination with remdesivir)

­ Ref: Roche | Image: Roche