AbbVie study shows methotrexate’s impact on Humira RA treatment

AbbVie has announced new results from Concerto, a trial that provides crucial insights into how different doses of methotrexate can aid the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when used in combination with Humira.

Data from the study showed that at week 26 of treatment, a statistically significant increasing trend in the proportion of patients achieving low disease activity with an increasing dose of methotrexate could be observed.

The primary objective of Concerto was to determine a dose-response pattern for methotrexate when used alongside open-label Humira, meaning the study was a success.

Dr John Medich, divisional vice-president for immunology clinical development and global pharmaceutical research and development at AbbVie, said: "With Concerto, AbbVie is trying to better understand the methotrexate-dose related trends in combination with Humira, which is a critical piece of information for physicians and patients."

Humira remains one of AbbVie's most commercially important products, with sales of the drug increasing by 16 percent in the first quarter of 2013 and proving a key growth driver for the company as a whole.