European Commission Approves Rinvoq for Active Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Patients Aged Two Years and Older – AbbVie

AbbVie announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Rinvoq (upadacitinib; 15 mg tablet and weight-based 1 mg/mL oral solution) for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular rheumatoid factor positive [RF+] or negative [RF-], extended oligoarticular), in patients two years of age and older who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to, one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Rinvoq may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

 “The European Commission’s approval of Rinvoq for pJIA expands the treatment options available to pediatric patients and their families, offering the potential for remission, improvements in pain and physical function. Rinvoq’s new indication continues to build on our differentiated immunology portfolio with breadth and depth across therapeutic areas and patient populations.” – Roopal Thakkar, M.D., executive vice president, research and development, chief scientific officer, AbbVie.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease of childhood and is estimated to impact approximately 126,000 children in Europe. pJIA is a subtype of JIA and is characterized by inflammation in five or more joints – including the small joints of the hands and feet and large joints like the knees, hips and ankles – that persists for at least six weeks in children and adolescents. This disease can be painful and debilitating and, if left untreated, may lead to joint damage. Ongoing disease activity in pJIA is common, with persistent symptoms or flares affecting many patients into adulthood.