AbbVie welcomes TGA approval of new RA treatment

AbbVie announced the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulatory approval for RINVOQ (upadacitinib), a once-daily, selective and reversible inhibitor of Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), for the treatment of adult patients with moderateto-severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to, one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects nearly half a million Australians. Beyond physical symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis also significantly impacts health-related quality of life, including emotional wellbeing and ability to perform daily activities. It also represents a substantial economic burden to patients and society.

Despite the availability of current treatments, many of these patients do not achieve their treatment goals and therefore additional therapeutic options are needed.

“An average of 10,000 new cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis are estimated to be diagnosed in Australia each year, with RA prevalence likely to rise to 700,000 Australians by 2032. While significant treatment advances have been made, it is critical to ensure patients have access to new treatment options which work in different ways,” said Kirsten O’Doherty, Vice President and General Manager Australia and New Zealand.

“The TGA registration of RINVOQ is an important milestone for the rheumatoid arthritis community and we are pleased to be able to offer patients in Australia this additional treatment option. We are working to ensure access to this new treatment is available via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.”

Currently RINVOQ (upadacitinib) is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

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