Analyzing the effectiveness and safety of abatacept for rheumatoid arthritis

The study investigated the effectiveness and safety of abatacept (Orencia) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The analysis concluded that abatacept gave better results to patients with RA compared to other biologic drugs. 

RA is a common autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. This condition causes chronic inflammation and stiffness of the joints. It can also be accompanied by other manifestations that affect the lungs, skin, eyes, heart, and blood vessels.

Currently, there is no cure for RA but various treatment options are made available. The management options include medications, surgery, and physical therapy. Medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs), and biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). To date, medications for RA continue to produce side effects for many patients.

Abatacept is a newer bDMARD that decreases T-cell (a type of immune cell) stimulation. This drug is used to treat patients with RA who do not respond well to cDMARDs. However, the effectiveness and safety profile of the abatacept has not been completely studied.

The study analyzed 13 other studies with a total of 5978 patients with RA. Patients were from different ethnic backgrounds. The study compared the outcomes of patients treated with abatacept to other DMDARDs. The safety and efficacy of abatacept were evaluated in terms of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70/90 responses. This evaluates the patients who achieve a 20%, 50%, 70%, or 90% improvement of RA symptoms with a certain treatment.

Abatacept-treated patients were 1.57 times more likely to attain better ACR 20 response compared to other RA drugs or placebo.

Abatacept-treated patients were 1.84 times more likely to attain better ACR 50 response compared to other RA drugs or placebo.

Abatacept-treated patients were 2.36 times more likely to attain better ACR 70 response compared to other RA drugs or placebo.

Abatacept-treated patients were 2.95 times more likely to attain better ACR 90 response compared to other RA drugs or placebo.

Patients treated with abatacept were 1.92 times more likely to have lower inflammation as measured by the DAS28-CRP compared to other RA drugs. 

When compared to combination therapy, patients treated with abatacept alone tended to reach better ACR responses and lower disease activity.

Compared to other drugs, abatacept was found to have fewer side effects.

The author concluded that abatacept was a safe, effective, and better treatment option for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

A small number of research studies were analyzed. Some studies could not be included due to the unavailability of a full article. Many of the analyzed studies were funded by the Pharma Industry.