Abbott drug approved in EU for JIA

Abbott has announced that Humira (adalimumab) has been approved in the European Union for the treatment of polyarticular juveline idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

The compound has been approved for use in combination with methotrexate in adolescents aged 13 to 17.

It has also been granted marketing authorisation for patients who have previously responded inadequately to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

If patients are intolerant to methotrexate or if continued treatment with the compound is thought inappropriate, Humira can be given as a monotherapy.

Abbott reported that JIA is a painful and potentially debilitating autoimmune disease that involves five or more joints and is the most common form of arthritis in children worldwide.

“JIA usually appears before the age of 16,” the company said. “Symptoms commonly include persistent joint swelling, pain and stiffness.”

It added that any joint can be affected, with inflammation potentially limiting the mobility of these joints.

Abbot said the goal of treatment for JIA is to control inflammation, preserve mobility and joint function, relieve pain and prevent the progression of the disease.

In June 2008, Abbott announced that treating patients with active early rheumatoid arthritis with a combination of Humira and methotrexate results in indirect cost savings from increased work productivity.