diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis based on 2010 acr/eular criteria for at least 4 months.

at least 6 tender (of 68 assessed) and 6 swollen (of 66 assessed) joints at screening and baseline.

hs-crp equal or greater than 8 mg/l.

must have received methotrexate for at least 12 weeks and been on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks prior to the first study dose.

evidence of untreated or inadequately treated latent or active tb.

evidence of uncontrolled, clinically significant diseases, including moderate or severe heart failure (nyha class iii/iv) or malignancy in the previous 5 years.

history of infection requiring hospitalization or parenteral antimicrobial therapy within 6 months prior to first dose of study drug.

may have received no more than 2 doses of one biologic therapy (other than adalimumab or lymphocyte depleting therapy).

any second dmard must be washed out prior to the first study dose.