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.

Brand names

Orencia

Other names

abatacept plus prednisoneabatacept plus prednisoloneabatacept and steroid therapy