Trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of abatacept

Bristol-Myers Squibb is currently recruiting adults with active dermatomyositis or polymyositis for a clinical trial. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a study drug, called abatacept, in combination with standard medicines in improving symptoms of active myositis.  The effectiveness of this combination therapy will be compared to standard therapy for myositis.

Abatacept (also known as Orencia) is a modified antibody that interferes with T-cell activity, a process of the immune system. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

This clinical trial is underway and aims to enroll 150 patients over a three-year period. Multiple study sites are available throughout the US and abroad. Participants will first receive either abatacept, the study drug, or a placebo via a weekly injection under the skin for 24 weeks. Then, all study participants will receive abatacept for 28 weeks.

Find more information about this trial here.

More information on other clinical trials for myositis can be found here.