Abatacept (a disease modifying agent which blocks the signal of blood that is necessary for T-cells to damage joints in arthritis) has previously demonstrated significant reductions in radiographic progression (a measure showing the extent of actual damage to joints) in rheumatoid arthritis patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate (an antimetabolite drug which inhibits the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein) during the double-blind phase of the AIM trial1. As such the extension arm aimed to investigate long term impact.
433 vs. 219 patients were randomized and treated with abatacept vs. placebo, with 385 (88.9%) vs. 162 (74.0%) completing the double blind phase. 539 patients were treated with Abatacept in the long-term extension arm of the study.
Data shows that 2 years of abatacept treatment slowed progression of structural damage in RA patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate, with the effect seen at year 2 significantly better than those in year 1.
In patients treated with abatacept for 2 years, minimal radiographic progression was observed during the second year of treatment. Using a linear mixed model analysis to compare the slope of radiographic progression over the 2-year period, abatacept was found to be significantly better than 1 year of placebo followed by 1 year of abatacept. Radiographic progression in the abatacept group slowed during year 2 vs. year 1.
"The long term extension of the AIM study shows that 2 yrs of abatacept treatment slowed progression of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients, potentially providing a valuable treatment option for those patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate" explained Harry K. Genant, study lead and Professor Emeritus, University of California San Francisco and Chairman Emeritus Synarc, San Francisco, United States. "It is especially interesting to note that the effect seen at year two was significantly better than that seen at year one, suggesting progressive improvement and sustained reduction of damage which could equate to increased patient quality of life measures such as mobility and independence" he continued.
References
1. Genant et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64(Suppl III):56
For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress press office on:
Email: eularpressoffice@uk.cohnwolfe.com
Jim Baxter - Onsite tel: +44 (0) 7900 605652
Jo Spadaccino - Onsite tel: +44 (0) 7773 271930
Mia Gannedahl - Office tel: +44 (0) 20 7331 2325
Abstract number: OP0015
About EULAR
- The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is the organization which represents the patient, health professional and scientific societies of rheumatology of all the European nations.
- The aims of EULAR are to reduce the burden of rheumatic diseases on the individual and society and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal diseases. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in education and research in the field of rheumatology. It promotes the translation of research advances into daily care and fights for the recognition of the needs of people with musculoskeletal diseases by the governing bodies in Europe.
- Diseases of bones and joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis cause disability in 4 - 5 % of the adult population and are predicted to rise as people live longer.
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