Abbott’s Humira shows efficacy in new RA trial

Abbott has published data from a new study showing the benefits of its drug Humira in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Results have been presented from the second phase of the global study Optima at the European League Against Rheumatism's Congress of Rheumatology in London.

The data showed that a combination of Humira and methotrexate delivered improved disease control and reduced rates of disease progression among patients than an alternative treatment of methotrexate alone.

Professor Josef Smolen, chairman of the departments of rheumatology at the Medical University of Vienna and Hietzing Hospital of Vienna, said this demonstrates the benefits of prescribing Humira against RA at an early stage.

"The time that patients stay on treatments that aren't working sufficiently is time lost, because the damage to the joints is irreversible and can lead to irreversible loss of physical function," he added.

Earlier this month, Abbott published further trial data showing the potential benefits of Humira as an ulcerative colitis treatment.