Alder Rival Wins FDA Approval

Luke Timmerman1/9/10

[Correction: 1/11/10, 9:15 am Pacific, with distinction between IL-6 and IL-6 receptor.] Genentech, the U.S.-based unit of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche, said the FDA has granted clearance to start selling a new drug for rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment, tocilizumab (Actemra), is the first approved antibody engineered to block the receptor for an inflammatory protein called IL-6, that is overactive in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Bothell, WA-based Alder Biopharmaceuticals is attempting to block the IL-6 protein with a “fast-follower” antibody called ALD518, which is being co-developed with Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Luke Timmerman is the National Biotech Editor of Xconomy, and the Editor of Xconomy Seattle. E-mail him at ltimmerman@xconomy.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ldtimmerman.