Orencia effective in very early stage

rheumatoid arthritis

Taken from NRAS magazine, Spring 2009

Results published online in January in the Arthritis and Rheumatism publication have shown Orencia (abatacept) to be more effective than methotrexate alone in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have a very early stage of the disease and have not yet taken any disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). The study also showed there was better prevention of joint damage in the study group than in the comparator group.

Authorised in Europe in May 2007 in RA, abatacept is currently only indicated in case of prior failure to respond to at least one anti-TNF alpha. NICE rejected abatacept, after appeal, for use in the NHS on grounds of cost.