Abatacept is a speciality medication which is known for its use in the management of autoimmune diseases. Orencia is the trade name for this drug and it has been recommended to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from its effective role in the management of RA, Abatacept is referred for indications psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This is usually recommended after DMARD failure. It can be considered as the drug of choice in these specific settings. Methotrexate is a classic example of DMARD, which stands for diseasemodifying anti-rheumatic agent. Orencia is given as a single agent and in some cases as combination drug along with a DMARD. Abatacept in India is a choice given to the patients who may import the medication for personal use.

Orencia 25mg vials are available in a pack of 10 vials; they are commercially promoted by Bristol-Myers Squibb. BMS is also the company that developed this product. Its FDA approval was granted in 2005 and has been made available in the western world. Right now it can also be accessed from the Middle Eastern region. While Abatacept has been considered successful in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, it is also being studied for its other clinical benefits. This drug is intravenously administered and the time for infusion is usually 30 minutes in adult patients.

Treatment with Abatacept or Orencia is usually referred as biological therapy, considering the active component of fusion protein in it. The treatment duration varies based on the patient’s response to the treatment. However, it is understood that the patients take six to twelve weeks of treatment to experience benefits.