The Spanish health authorities have approved the reimbursement of the subcutaneous formulation of abatacepta biologic medicine used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This drug acts at the beginning of the inflammatory cascade of rheumatoid arthritis, preventing its progression and allowing patients to regain their functional capacity. Abatacept, which until now was only available intravenously, will now be administered subcutaneously as a weekly injection at the doctor's office or at the patient's home, increasing convenience.

Abatacept, a fast-acting biologic medicine

Abatacept has the same rapidity of action as another biologic drug traditionally used for rheumatoid arthritis: adalimumab.

The practical advantage of subcutaneous application is that there is no need to go to hospital and no need for an intravenous line, which translates into convenience and savings in resources.

Abatacept was presented at the European Congress of Rheumatology in Madrid in June.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a autoimmune disease chronic inflammation of the lining of the joints, decreased functional capacity, chronic pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue.

Three million people in Europe suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. And in Spain 250,000 patients; it is more common in women than in men, 75 percent of those affected are women.