AbbVie has recently come out with updates on applications of Rinvoq, generic name upadacitinib, which has already been approved as a secondary rheumatoid arthritis treatment in 2019. The new updates highlight the potential of the drug as a secondary psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment when other approved treatments have proven to be underwhelming.
Upadacitinib is a JAK inhibitor, blocking downstream signaling that can lead to inflammation in the joints, and has 52% plasma protein binding. The drug has some worrying side effects, such as increase of blood clot instances and serious infections, and is therefore recommended as a treatment only for those with intolerance or allergic reactions to other PsA therapies (1).
The trials concluded to present day have shown high efficacy compared to placebo, with up to a 42% difference with the highest dosage treatment compared to placebo (2). The endpoint of the studies was at 12 weeks, and longer term studies are needed to effectively conduct a risk-benefit analysis for the treatment.
On April 2, 2021, AbbVie anounced their sNDA extension by the FDA, and Phase III trials are ongoing for the drug’s feasibility as a treatment for PsA and RA, among other diseases.
By: Pavle Mihajlovic