An Efficacy and Safety Study of Tocilizumab (RoActemra/Actemra) in Participants With Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Remission was defined as the absence of flare and normalization of the C-reactive protein (CRP) (less than [<] 1 milligram per deciliter [mg/dL]). Sustained remission was defined as the absence of flare following induction of remission within 12 weeks of randomization and maintained up to Week 52. Flare was determined by the investigator and was defined as the recurrence of signs or symptoms of GCA and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than or equal to (>/=) 30 millimeters per hour (mm/hr) attributable to GCA. A single CRP elevation (>/=1 mg/dL) was not considered as a sign of flare, unless the CRP remained elevated (>/=1 mg/dL) at the next study visit.

Remission was defined as the absence of flare and normalization of the CRP (<1 mg/dL). Sustained remission was defined as the absence of flare following induction of remission within 12 weeks of randomization and maintained up to Week 52. Flare was determined by the investigator and was defined as the recurrence of signs or symptoms of GCA and/or ESR >/=30 mm/hr attributable to GCA. A single CRP elevation (>/=1 mg/dL) was not considered as a sign of flare, unless the CRP remained elevated (>/=1 mg/dL) at the next study visit.

Flare was determined by the investigator and was defined as the recurrence of signs or symptoms of GCA and/or ESR >/=30 mm/hr attributable to GCA. Participants who withdrew from the study prior to Week 52 were censored from the time of withdrawal.

The median total cumulative prednisone dose over the 52 weeks for each treatment group and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals are presented.

The SF-36 is a standardized questionnaire used to assess physical functioning and is made up of eight domains: Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role-Emotional and Mental Health. Transforming and standardizing these domains leads to the calculation of the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS). The score for a section is an average of the individual question scores, which are scaled 0-100 (100=highest level of functioning). A positive change from baseline indicates improvement. No imputation was used for missing data. Data was set to missing for participants who received escape therapy.

Participants assessed their current disease activity on a 0-100 millimeter (mm) VAS, where 0 mm = no disease activity and 100 mm = maximum disease activity. A negative change from baseline indicates improvement.

AUCtau is the model-predicted area under the tocilizumab serum concentration versus time curve from time zero to the end of dosing interval. AUCtau is measured in microgram*day per milliliter (mcg*day/mL).

Cmax,ss is maximum model-predicted serum steady state concentration of tocilizumab measured in micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL).

Cmin,ss is minimum model-predicted serum steady state concentration of tocilizumab measured in mcg/mL.

Ctrough is minimum observed serum concentration of tocilizumab measured in mcg/mL.

ESR is a laboratory test that provides a non-specific measure of inflammation. The test assesses the rate at which red blood cells fall in a test tube. Normal range is 0-30 mm/hr. A higher rate is consistent with inflammation.

The test for CRP is a laboratory measurement for evaluation of an acute phase reactant of inflammation through the use of an ultrasensitive assay. A decrease in the level of CRP indicates reduction in inflammation and therefore improvement.

All samples were tested by screening assay, and those samples that were positive were further analyzed by a confirmation assay to confirm specificity. Percentage of participants who has a positive confirmation assay result any time after the initial drug administration with a negative confirmation assay result at baseline was reported.