abatacept + non-biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug

This refers to the **combination therapy** of **abatacept**, a selective T-cell costimulation modulator (immunomodulator), with a **non-biologic conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD)**, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, or sulfasalazine. Abatacept works by inhibiting T-cell activation through binding to CD80/CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, thereby blocking interaction with CD28 and preventing T-cell-mediated inflammatory responses that drive rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune disorders. The use of abatacept in combination with a non-biologic DMARD aims to achieve improved control of disease activity, reduction in joint damage, and symptomatic relief in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those with inadequate response to DMARD monotherapy. This regimen is well-established and is FDA- and EMA-approved for these indications.[2][4][6]

Other names

abatacept plus non-biologic DMARDabatacept plus conventional DMARD