On April 1, 2021, biopharmaceutical company AbbVie shared that new data is available from the Phase 3 SELECT-PsA 1 clinical trial. The 24-week results follow the impact of RINVOQ (upadacitinib) on patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Altogether, the trial results highlight the potential benefit and symptom relief associated with RINVOQ. Read the full study results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

RINVOQ (upadacitinib)

Both discovered and developed by AbbVie, RINVOQ is a janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that regulates immune overactivity. While not yet approved for patients with PsA within the United States, RINVOQ is approved for use in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are unable to use methotrexate, or whose condition was not adequately controlled by methotrexate. In Europe, this treatment is indicated for adult patients with RA, PsA, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who are unable to use or did not respond to other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, researchers are also exploring RINVOQ as a potential treatment for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), giant cell arteritis (GCA), and atopic dermatitis, among others.

RINVOQ Clinical Trial

During the clinical trial, researchers evaluated both 15 and 30mg RINVOQ for patients with PsA. Within the study, patients received either 15mg or 30mg RINVOQ, 40mg adalimumab, or a placebo. Those who received the placebo later received RINVOQ followed the 24-week period. Researchers wanted to understand how RINVOQ, as opposed to adalimumab or a placebo, would reduce fatigue, achieve an ACR20 response, stop disease progression, and lower symptoms such as dactylitis (severe inflammation of the finger and toe joints). Ultimately, researchers discovered:

• 58% of those taking 30mg RINVOQ, and 54% taking the 15mg dose, reduced or completely relieved themselves of enthesitis, or inflammation of the areas where tendons and ligaments fit into the bone. This was higher than both those receiving adalimumab or a placebo.
• Patients taking RINVOQ were much more likely than other groups to experience lower fatigue, inhibited radiographic progression, and dactylitis resolution. In fact, 80% of patients receiving 30mg doses experienced resolved dactylitis.
• RINVOQ was relatively safe and well-tolerated, though some adverse reactions did occur. These reactions occurred most commonly in patients receiving 30mg doses. Some side effects and adverse reactions included:
  • Herpes zoster
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Nausea
  • Cough
  • Fever

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder which occurs in some patients with psoriasis. An estimated 30% of patients with psoriasis will develop PsA. While researchers do not know the exact cause of PsA, genetics or an infection are thought to play a role. Often, symptom onset occurs between ages 30-50. PsA can affect any joint and could lead to permanent joint damage. Symptoms include:

• Red patches of skin with silvery scales
• Reduced range of motion
• Fatigue
• Joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, or inflammation
• Tendon pain, stiffness, tenderness, or inflammation
• Foot or lower back pain
• Conjunctivitis or uveitis
• Changes in nails (separation from nail bed, pitting)
• Morning stiffness and fatigue
• Swollen fingers and toes