A Randomized, Double-blind Study of Safety and Reduction in Signs and Symptoms During Treatment With Tocilizumab Monotherapy Versus Methotrexate Monotherapy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

This 2 arm study will assess the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab monotherapy versus methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients will be randomized to receive tocilizumab 8mg/kg iv every 4 weeks plus placebo po weekly, or methotrexate 7.5-20mg po weekly plus placebo iv every 4 weeks. The anticipated time on study treatment is 3-12 months and the target sample size is 500+ individuals.