A Study of MabThera (Rituximab) in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Have Had an Inadequate Response to a TNF-Blocker.

An Open-label Study to Evaluate the Effect of MabThera on Treatment Response in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Have Had an Inadequate Response to Previous TNF Inhibition.

This single arm study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of MabThera in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis whose current treatment with one or more TNF blocker had produced an inadequate response. Patients will receive MabThera (1g infusion) on day 1 and day 15, and will continue on their basic methotrexate therapy (10-25mg/week). The anticipated time on study treatment is 3-12 months, and the target sample size is <100 individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients, >=18 years of age;
• diagnosed RA for >=3 months prior to first administration of study medication;
• inadequate response or intolerance to >=1 anti-TNF therapies, alone or in combination with methotrexate;
• if using NSAIDS, analgesics or oral corticosteroids, must be on a stable dose for >=2 weeks prior to start of study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• other chronic inflammatory diseases;
• use of parental corticosteroids within 4 weeks prior to screening;
• severe heart failure, or severe, uncontrolled cardiac disease.