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. 2012:6:589-96.
doi: 10.2147/PPA.S23786. Epub 2012 Aug 15.

Drug adherence to biologic DMARDS with a special emphasis on the benefits of subcutaneous abatacept

Anshuman P Malaviya  1 , Andrew Jk Ostör
Affiliations

Drug adherence to biologic DMARDS with a special emphasis on the benefits of subcutaneous abatacept

Anshuman P Malaviya et al. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2012.

Abstract

Major advances in drug development have led to the introduction of biologic disease- modifying drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which has resulted in unprecedented improvement in outcomes for many patients. These agents have been found to be effective in reducing clinical signs and symptoms, improving radiological damage, quality of life, and functionality, and have also been found to have an acceptable safety profile. Despite this, drug adherence is unknown, which has huge health care and health-economic implications. Local and national guidelines exist for the use of biologics; however, its varied use is widespread. Although this may in part reflect differences in prescribing behavior, patient preference plays a key role. In this review we will explore the factors that contribute to patient preference for, and adherence to, biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis with emphasis on the subcutaneous preparation of abatacept, a T-cell costimulatory molecule blocker. Overall, subcutaneous administration is preferred by patients and this may well improve drug adherence.

Keywords: abatacept; adherence; biologic DMARD; compliance; preference; rheumatoid arthritis; self-injectable; subcutaneous administration.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Factors that influence adherence to treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Illustration describing the mechanism of action of abatacept. Abatacept has high affinity for CD80/86 on the APC and prevents binding of this molecule with CD28 on the T-cell, thus ultimately preventing T-cell costimulation. Note: MHC complex refers to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule presenting the antigen to the T-cell receptor.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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