Can abatacept prevent rheumatoid arthritis?

Abatacept can significantly delay the onset of rheumatoid arthritis for up to four years, even after treatment stops, but it does not permanently prevent the disease.

What are the benefits of delaying rheumatoid arthritis onset?

Delaying RA onset can reduce the time patients live with symptoms and complications, drastically improving their quality of life and independence.

Who is at risk for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis affects individuals where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to joint inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Home / Health / RA Treatment Delays Disease for Years

RA Treatment Delays Disease for Years

21 Jan

•

Summary

Treatment with abatacept delays rheumatoid arthritis onset.
Benefits of abatacept treatment extended for years.
Study shows delayed disease onset up to four years.

Researchers have discovered that a specific treatment can effectively delay the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals identified as high risk for the disease.

The study, led by King's College London, assessed the longer-term impact of abatacept, a drug designed to target the root causes of inflammation associated with RA.

Findings indicate that the positive effects of abatacept persisted well past the initial one-year treatment course. Participants receiving the drug experienced a significantly longer period before developing RA compared to those given a placebo, with disease onset delayed by up to four years after treatment concluded.

While not a permanent cure, the research suggests abatacept can postpone the disease's development. Professor Andrew Cope highlighted that early intervention offers lasting benefits, is safe, and can substantially improve patients' quality of life by reducing the duration of symptoms and complications.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.