Subcutaneous Formulation of ORENCIA® (abatacept) Approved by European Commission

Subcutaneous Formulation of ORENCIA® (abatacept) Approved by European Commission PR Newswire PARIS, October 5, 2012 PARIS, October 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Proven biologic is first therapy available in both subcutaneous and intravenous formulations for adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis Bristol-Myers Squibb announced today that the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for the ®subcutaneous formulation of ORENCIA (abatacept), in combination with methotrexate (MTX), for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: http://www.epresspack.net/mnr/subcutaneous-formulation-of-orencia-abatacept-approved-by-european-commission/ Most of the currently available biologics for the treatment of RA are anti-TNF (anti-tumour necrosis factor) agents. ORENCIA works through a different mechanism of action (T-cell co-stimulation modulation) and is the only agent available in both self-injectable, subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) formulations. Given that some patients prefer one route of administration for specific reasons, the availability of both formulations addresses the needs and [1]preferences of patients and physicians. "ORENCIA is a true alternative to anti-TNFs - a first-line biologic therapy for RA patients that now also offers the convenience of self-administration in a subcutaneous formulation," said Prof. Dr.