QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Résumé Extracto Full Text PDF For Our Patients Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Articles Ahead of Print [Order Reprint] Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bruce, S. P Articles by Boyce, E. G Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Bruce, S. P Articles by Boyce, E. G

FORMULARY FORUM

Update on Abatacept: A Selective Costimulation Modulator for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany, NY

Eric G Boyce, PharmD

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Thomas J Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA

Reprints: Dr. Bruce, Albany College of Pharmacy, 106 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208, fax 518/694-7018, bruces{at}acp.edu

OBJECTIVE: To review and update the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, precautions, efficacy, and use of abatacept for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

DATA SOURCES: Studies and abstracts were identified through MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane databases, and Science Citation Index (1990-April 2007). Key search terms included abatacept, CTLA4-Ig, and BMS 1888667. Information available only in abstract form was retrieved from national and international rheumatology associations. Additional data were obtained from the manufacturer.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All available animal and human studies describing the pharmacology of abatacept and human studies describing the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, adverse events, and precautions of abatacept were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Abatacept significantly improves the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe RA in patients who experienced an inadequate response to methotrexate or antitumor necrosis factor- inhibitors. By month 12, approximately 50% of patients achieved remission (defined as a disease activity score <2.6) that was maintained until at least 24 months of therapy. The most common adverse events include headache, upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, and nasopharyngitis. Rare but serious adverse events include serious infections and malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS: Abatacept has documented efficacy and safety in patients with inadequate responses to methotrexate and antitumor necrosis factor agents in both short- and long-term studies. Additional clinical trial and postmarketing evidence is necessary to understand the long-term safety, efficacy, economics, and role of abatacept in clinical practice.

Key Words: abatacept, CTLA4-Ig, costimulation modulator, rheumatoid arthritis

Published Online, July 3, 2007. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1K057

THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-07-017-H01