Orencia is one of the latest in the line of biologic agents approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Targeting the immune system’s T cells, Orencia works early in the inflammatory process. Most other biologic agents quiet RA activity by interfering with inflammatory signals such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Orencia is reserved for people with moderate to severe RA who have not responded to older disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or TNF blockers. It is given in a 30-minute infusion every 4 weeks and can be used along with DMARDs (but not TNF blockers). In a recent 1-year study of 652 people whose RA was not being adequately controlled by methotrexate, researchers tested Orencia against a placebo (inactive agent). Compared with people in the placebo group, those taking Orencia experienced greater improvements in their symptoms and ability to perform everyday activities. Moreover, their joint damage progressed only half as quickly.

(Annals of Internal Medicine and The Cleveland Clinic Arthritis Advisor)