abatacept + glucocorticoid

Abatacept + glucocorticoid is a combination therapeutic regimen investigated by Bristol Myers Squibb for the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Abatacept (Orencia) is a soluble fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) linked to a modified IgG1 Fc region. It functions as a selective T-cell costimulation modulator by binding to CD80 and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, thereby blocking their interaction with CD28 on T-cells and inhibiting T-cell activation. In the context of GCA, this biologic is administered in combination with a standardized glucocorticoid taper (typically prednisone or prednisolone). The primary objective of this combination is to achieve and maintain clinical remission while allowing for a significant reduction in the cumulative dose of glucocorticoids, thereby mitigating the severe side effects associated with long-term steroid use. Clinical development has included Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials (such as NCT03192969) to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous abatacept in sustaining remission compared to glucocorticoid monotherapy.

Other names

abatacept plus prednisoneabatacept plus prednisoloneabatacept and steroid therapy