Many children with the most severe forms of juvenile arthritis can now benefit from the newly approved drug that eases the symptoms, Daily Mail reports.

Trial data shows that after 40 weeks of treatment with the drug RoActemra (tocilizumab), two-thirds of those aged between two and 16 with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) saw a 70 per cent improvement in symptoms, compared with those taking a placebo.

Currently incurable, pJIA is a  crippling inflammatory joint condition that affects about 2,300 British children. The disease can come on suddenly and affects  joints, causing stiffness, swelling, pain and limited movement. Some children end up in wheelchairs.

Tocilizumab, a drug previously  used to treat adult rheumatoid arthritis, was licensed for pJIA following publication of data from a  trial demonstrating that children treated with the drug experienced meaningful improvements in the signs and  symptoms of pJIA.

Judi Rhys, chief executive of the Arthritis Care charity, said: ‘This is fantastic news for children as it offers them hope for the future.’