Roche pleads for global harmony as it supercharges production of Actemra, COVID-19 tests

China’s use of Roche's Actemra for some COVID-19 patients has put the arthritis drug in the spotlight and set it up for a surge in demand. Roche is trying to stay ahead of that curve by upping production, even as it tests it on COVID-19 for effectiveness.

The Swiss drugmaker today said that it is “working urgently to accelerate manufacturing capacity to maximize production of Actemra” when and where it can to boost its global supply.