Cochrane review finds abatacept effective

There is "moderate-level" evidence that the immunomodulator abatacept is safe and effective but it should not be given with other biologics, a Cochrane Review concludes. Based on seven randomised controlled trials involving 2908 patients, the report found that compared with placebo, patients treated with abatacept were 2.2 times more likely to achieve an ACR50 improvement response at one year, "with a 21% absolute risk difference between groups.” Serious adverse events were increased when abatacept was given in combination with other biologics (RR 2.30)....