title: Subcutaneous abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis: current update.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Hospital , Toronto, Ontario , Canada edkeystone@mtsinai.on.ca.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Keystone
authors.forename: Abdulaziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alkhalaf
authors.forename: Mosaab
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Makkawy
mesh_terms: D000069594:Abatacept / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / Q000379:methods; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D000069594:Abatacept
keywords: abatacept; biologic therapy; rheumatoid arthritis; subcutaneous