Subcutaneous abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis: current update

Abstract

Introduction: A number of biologic agents have been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They have changed the landscape of therapy and demonstrate substantial efficacy with a good safety record. One of these agents is intravenous (i.v.) abatacept (ABA), which has a novel mechanism of action by selectively inhibiting the interaction between T- and antigen-presenting cells. Recently, ABA administered by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection has also been approved for use in RA. In this review, will focus in recent data published in this agent.

Areas covered: This paper reviews Phase III clinical trials (ACQUIRE, ACCOMPANY, ALLOW, ATTUNE, AMPLE and AVERT) in terms of clinical efficacy including long-term efficacy, radiographic progression, safety and immunogenicity.

Expert opinion: Given the current trend in biologic therapy to s.c. administration, the availability of both i.v. and s.c. ABA provides considerable advantage both to patients and physicians in this competitive environment. The clinical trials have shown comparable efficacy and safety of s.c. ABA to i.v. ABA and others biologics.

Keywords:

• abatacept
• biologic therapy
• rheumatoid arthritis
• subcutaneous

Acknowledgments

Sources of Funding for Research: Abbvie Laboratories, Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Bristol-Myers Squibb, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Inc, Janssen Inc, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB. Consulting Agreements/Advisory Board Membership: Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca Pharma, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Inc, Genentech Inc, Janssen Inc, UCB. Speaker Honoraria Agreements: Abbvie Laboratories, Astrazeneca LP, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Janssen Inc., UCB, Amgen.

Declaration of interest

E Keystone has received research funding speaker honoraria, consultancy fees and participated in advisory boards for Bristol-Myers Squibb. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes