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ORENCIA

abatacept · Injection, Solution

Prescription Biologic BLA Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
ORENCIA
Generic name
abatacept
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route
Subcutaneous
Marketing category
BLA · BLA
Labeler
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
3
NDC product codes
3
Packages
6
Data completeness
74% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Abatacept 125 mg/mL 616015 —
Abatacept 50 mg/.4mL 616015 —
Abatacept 87.5 mg/.7mL 616015 —

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route of administration
Subcutaneous
Presentations
9

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Decreased Cytokine Activity [PE] PE 1 member — no class page
Recombinant Fusion Proteins [CS] CS 1 member — no class page
Selective T Cell Costimulation Modulator [EPC] EPC 1 member — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
125118
Application type
BLA · Biologics License Application
Approval date
December 23, 2005
Sponsor
BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
24
Products approved under application 125118.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
125118-001 ORENCIA INJECTABLE ABATACEPT Prescription —

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 125118.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 255 Labeling Approved May 29, 2024 Standard
Supplement 249 Labeling Approved January 19, 2024 Standard
Supplement 250 Efficacy Approved October 30, 2023 Standard
Supplement 235 Labeling Approved April 13, 2022 Standard
Supplement 240 Efficacy Approved December 15, 2021 Priority
Supplement 225 Labeling Approved June 17, 2020 Standard
Supplement 199 Labeling Approved June 17, 2020 Standard
Supplement 194 Labeling Approved June 17, 2020 Standard
Supplement 224 Labeling Approved March 21, 2019 Standard
Supplement 209 Efficacy Approved June 30, 2017 Standard
Supplement 211 Efficacy Approved March 30, 2017 Priority
Supplement 200 Efficacy Approved June 7, 2016 Standard
Supplement 179 Labeling Approved December 30, 2014 Standard
Supplement 171 Efficacy Approved December 20, 2013 Standard
Supplement 138 Labeling Approved February 17, 2012 Standard
Supplement 131 Labeling Approved August 18, 2011 Standard
Supplement 122 Efficacy Approved July 29, 2011 Standard
Supplement 107 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 23, 2011 —
Supplement 86 Efficacy Approved August 25, 2009 Standard
Supplement 45 Efficacy Approved April 7, 2008 Standard
Supplement 59 Labeling Approved March 21, 2008 Standard
Supplement 16 Efficacy Approved March 13, 2007 Standard
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved December 12, 2006 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved December 23, 2005 Priority

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · May 31, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · May 30, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · January 23, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · January 23, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · September 18, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · April 15, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · December 15, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · June 22, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · June 22, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · June 22, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · June 19, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · June 19, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · June 19, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · March 22, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · July 5, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · July 3, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · April 3, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · March 31, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · January 7, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · January 5, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · January 17, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · December 24, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · December 23, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · February 23, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · February 22, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · August 11, 2011

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251113). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251113

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ORENCIA is a selective T cell costimulation modulator indicated for: • the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). (1.1) • the treatment of patients 2 years of age and older with moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). (1.2) • the treatment of patients 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). (1.3) • the prophylaxis of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate, in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a matched or 1 allele-mismatched unrelated donor. (1.4) Limitations of Use: Concomitant use of ORENCIA with other immunosuppressives [e.g., biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDS), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors] is not recommended. ( 1.5 , 5.1) 1.1 Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis ORENCIA ® is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 1.2 Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ORENCIA is indicated for the treatment of patients 2 years of age and older with moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). 1.3 Psoriatic Arthritis ORENCIA is indicated for the treatment of patients 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). 1.4 Prophylaxis for Acute Graft versus Host Disease ORENCIA is indicated for the prophylaxis of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate, in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a matched or 1 allele-mismatched unrelated-donor. 1.5 Limitations of Use The concomitant use of ORENCIA with other potent immunosuppressants [e.g., biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors] is not recommended.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Intravenous Use for Adult RA (2.1) and Adult PsA (2.3) • Administer at 0, 2, and 4 weeks, and every 4 weeks thereafter, as a 30-minute infusion Body Weight of Patient Dose Number of Vials Less than 60 kg 500 mg 2 60 to 100 kg 750 mg 3 More than 100 kg 1,000 mg 4 Subcutaneous Use for Adult RA (2.1) • Prior to the first subcutaneous dose, may administer an optional loading dose as a single intravenous infusion as per body weight categories above. • Administer 125 mg by subcutaneous injection once weekly (within a day of the intravenous infusion if infusion given). • Patients switching from intravenous use to subcutaneous use, administer first subcutaneous dose instead of next scheduled intravenous dose. Intravenous Use for pJIA in Pediatric Patients ≥6 Years Old (2.2) • Pediatric patients weighing <75 kg administer 10 mg/kg intravenously and those weighing ≥75 kg administer the adult intravenous dosing regimen (not to exceed a maximum dose of 1,000 mg), as a 30-minute infusion. • Subsequently administer infusions at 2 and 4 weeks and every 4 weeks thereafter. Subcutaneous Use for pJIA and PsA in Pediatric Patients ≥2 Years Old (2.2) • Administer subcutaneously without an intravenous loading dose Body Weight of Pediatric Patient Dose (once weekly) 10 kg to less than 25 kg 50 mg 25 kg to less than 50 kg 87.5 mg 50 kg or more 125 mg Subcutaneous Use for Adult PsA ( 2.3 ) • Administer 125 mg by subcutaneous injection once weekly without an intravenous loading dose. • Patients switching from intravenous use to subcutaneous use, administer first subcutaneous dose instead of next scheduled intravenous dose. Intravenous Use for Prophylaxis of aGVHD (2.4) • For patients 6 years and older, administer at a 10 mg/kg dose (maximum dose 1,000 mg) as a 60-minute infusion on the day before transplantation, followed by a dose on Day 5, 14, and 28 after transplant. • For patients 2 to less than 6 years old, administer a 15 mg/kg dose as a 60-minute infusion on the day before transplantation, followed by a 12 mg/kg dose as a 60-minute infusion on Day 5, 14, and 28 after transplant. Preparation and Administration Instructions ( 2.5 , 2.6 ) • Administer as a 30-minute intravenous infusion for RA, pJIA, and adult PsA. (2.5) • Administer as a 60-minute intravenous infusion for aGVHD prophylaxis. (2.5) • See the Full Prescribing Information for preparation and administration instructions for intravenous infusion and recommendations for subcutaneous use. (2.5, 2.6) Prepare ORENCIA using only the silicone-free disposable syringe. (2.5) 2.1 Dosage in Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis For adult patients with RA, administer as an intravenous infusion or as a subcutaneous injection. ORENCIA may be used as monotherapy or concomitantly with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) other than JAK inhibitors or bDMARDs (e.g., TNF antagonists). Intravenous Dosage Reconstitute ORENCIA lyophilized powder and administer after dilution [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] as a 30-minute intravenous infusion utilizing the weight range-based dosing recommended in Table 1. Following the initial intravenous infusion, administer as an intravenous infusion at 2 and 4 weeks and every 4 weeks thereafter. Table 1: Dose of ORENCIA for Intravenous Infusion in Adult RA Patients Body Weight of Adult Patient Dose Number of Vials a a Each vial provides 250 mg of abatacept for administration. Less than 60 kg 500 mg 2 60 to 100 kg 750 mg 3 More than 100 kg 1,000 mg 4 Subcutaneous Dosage Prior to the first subcutaneous dose, an optional loading dose may be administered as a single intravenous infusion (as per body weight categories in Table 1). If an intravenous loading dose is used, administer the first subcutaneous injection within one day of the infusion. Administer ORENCIA 125 mg in prefilled syringes or in ORENCIA ClickJectTM autoinjector by subcutaneous injection once weekly [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] . For patients switching from ORENCIA …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Intravenous Infusion • For injection: 250 mg lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial. (3) Subcutaneous Use • Injection: 50 mg/0.4 mL, 87.5 mg/0.7 mL, 125 mg/mL solution in single-dose prefilled syringe. (3) • Injection: 125 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled ClickJectTM autoinjectors. (3) • Intravenous Infusion For injection: 250 mg white lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.5 )] . • Subcutaneous Use Injection: 50 mg/0.4 mL, 87.5 mg/0.7 mL, and 125 mg/mL of a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe. Injection: 125 mg/mL of a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled ClickJect autoinjector.

  • Intravenous Infusion For injection: 250 mg white lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.5 )] . • Subcutaneous Use Injection: 50 mg/0.4 mL, 87.5 mg/0.7 mL, and 125 mg/mL of a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe. Injection: 125 mg/mL of a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution in a single-dose prefilled ClickJect autoinjector.

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. (4)

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Concomitant use with a TNF antagonist can increase the risk of infections and serious infections. (5.1) • Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis have occurred. (5.2) • Serious infections reported. Patients with a history of recurrent infections or underlying conditions predisposing to infections may experience more infections. Discontinue if a serious infection develops. (5.3) • Screen for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. Patients testing positive should be treated prior to initiating ORENCIA. (5.3) • Screen for viral hepatitis prior to initiating ORENCIA. (5.3) • Update vaccinations prior to initiating ORENCIA. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently or within 3 months of discontinuation. ORENCIA may blunt the effectiveness of some immunizations. (5.4) • COPD patients may develop more frequent respiratory adverse reactions. (5.5) • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) reactivation in patients treated for aGVHD prophylaxis. (5.7) 5.1 Increased Risk of Infection with Concomitant Use of TNF Antagonists, Other Biologic RA/PsA Therapy, or JAK Inhibitors In controlled clinical trials in patients with adult RA, patients receiving concomitant intravenous ORENCIA and TNF antagonist therapy experienced more infections (63% vs. 43%) and serious infections (4.4% vs. 0.8%) compared to patients treated with only TNF antagonists [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . These trials failed to demonstrate an important enhancement of efficacy with concomitant administration of ORENCIA with TNF antagonists; therefore, concurrent therapy with ORENCIA and a TNF antagonist is not recommended. While transitioning from TNF antagonist therapy to ORENCIA therapy, patients should be monitored for signs of infection. Additionally, concomitant use of ORENCIA with other biologic RA/PsA therapy or JAK inhibitors is not recommended. 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions In clinical trials of 2688 adult RA patients treated with intravenous ORENCIA, there were two cases (<0.1%) of anaphylaxis reactions. Other reactions potentially associated with drug hypersensitivity, such as hypotension, urticaria, and dyspnea, each occurred in less than 0.9% of ORENCIA-treated patients. Of the 190 ORENCIA-treated patients in pJIA clinical trials, there was one case of a hypersensitivity reaction (0.5%) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 )] . In postmarketing experience, fatal anaphylaxis following the first infusion of ORENCIA and life-threatening cases of angioedema have been reported. Angioedema has occurred as early as after the first dose of ORENCIA, but also has occurred with subsequent doses. Angioedema reactions have occurred within hours of administration and in some instances had a delayed onset (i.e., days). Appropriate medical support measures for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions should be available for immediate use in the event of a reaction. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of intravenous or subcutaneous ORENCIA should be stopped immediately with appropriate therapy instituted, and the use of ORENCIA should be permanently discontinued. 5.3 Infections Serious infections, including sepsis and pneumonia, have been reported in patients receiving ORENCIA (serious infections were reported in 3% and 1.9% of RA patients treated with intravenous ORENCIA and placebo, respectively) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Some of these infections have been fatal. Many of the serious infections have occurred in patients on concomitant immunosuppressive therapy which in addition to their underlying disease, could further predispose them to infection. A higher rate of serious infections has been observed in adult RA patients treated with concurrent TNF antagonists and ORENCIA compared to those treated with ORENCIA alone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Healthcare providers should exercise caution when considering the use of ORENCIA in patients with a history of recurrent infections, …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Increased Risk of Infection with Concomitant Use with TNF Antagonists, Other Biologic RA/PsA Therapy, or JAK Inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions When Used in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Reactivation in aGVHD Prophylaxis after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Most common adverse events (≥10%) in RA are headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, and nausea. (6.1) • Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in prophylaxis of aGVHD are anemia, hypertension, CMV reactivation/CMV infection, pyrexia, pneumonia, epistaxis, CD4 lymphocytes decreased, hypermagnesemia, and acute kidney injury. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying and controlled conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population in clinical practice. Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients with RA Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients with RA Treated with Intravenous ORENCIA The data from placebo-controlled studies described herein reflect exposure to ORENCIA administered intravenously in patients with active RA (1955 patients with ORENCIA, 989 with placebo) (Studies I through VI) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The studies had either a double-blind, placebo-controlled period of 6 months (258 patients with ORENCIA, 133 with placebo) or 1 year (1697 patients with ORENCIA, 856 with placebo). A subset of these patients received concomitant biologic DMARD therapy, such as a TNF antagonist (204 patients with ORENCIA, 134 with placebo). The concomitant use of ORENCIA with a TNF antagonist is not recommended [see Indications and Usage (1.5) ] . The majority of patients in RA clinical studies received one or more of the following concomitant medications with ORENCIA: methotrexate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, TNF antagonist, azathioprine, chloroquine, gold, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, and anakinra. The most serious adverse reactions were serious infections and malignancies. The most commonly reported adverse events (occurring in ≥10% of patients treated with ORENCIA) were headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, and nausea. The adverse reactions most frequently resulting in clinical intervention (interruption or discontinuation of ORENCIA) were due to infection. The most frequently reported infections resulting in dose interruption were upper respiratory tract infection (1%), bronchitis (0.7%), and herpes zoster (0.7%). The most frequent infections resulting in discontinuation were pneumonia (0.2%), localized infection (0.2%), and bronchitis (0.1%). Most Common Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients with RA Treated with Intravenous ORENCIA Adverse reactions occurring in 3% or more of patients and at least 1% more frequently in ORENCIA-treated patients (intravenous) during placebo-controlled RA studies are summarized in Table 4. Table 4: Most Common Adverse Reactions* During Placebo-Controlled RA Studies of Intravenous ORENCIA Intravenous ORENCIA (n=1955) a Placebo (n=989) b * Occurred in ≥3% patients and >1% more frequently in ORENCIA-treated patients. a Includes 204 patients on concomitant biologic DMARDs (adalimumab, anakinra, etaner …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Immunosuppressants Concomitant administration of a TNF antagonist with ORENCIA has been associated with an increased risk of serious infections and no significant additional efficacy over use of the TNF antagonists alone. Concurrent therapy with ORENCIA and TNF antagonists is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. There is insufficient experience to assess the safety and efficacy of ORENCIA administered concurrently with other biologic RA therapy, such as anakinra, or other biologic PsA therapy, and JAK inhibitors and therefore such use is not recommended. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 7.2 Blood Glucose Testing Parenteral drug products containing maltose can interfere with the readings of blood glucose monitors that use test strips with glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinoline quinone (GDH-PQQ). The GDH-PQQ based glucose monitoring systems may react with the maltose present in ORENCIA for intravenous administration, resulting in falsely elevated blood glucose readings on the day of infusion. When receiving intravenous ORENCIA, patients that require blood glucose monitoring should be advised to consider methods that do not react with maltose, such as those based on glucose dehydrogenase nicotine adenine dinucleotide (GDH-NAD), glucose oxidase, or glucose hexokinase test methods. ORENCIA for subcutaneous administration does not contain maltose; therefore, patients do not need to alter their glucose monitoring.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data with ORENCIA use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. However, there are clinical considerations for administering live vaccines to infants who were exposed to ORENCIA while in utero (see Clinical Considerations) . In reproductive toxicology studies in rats and rabbits, no fetal malformations were observed with intravenous administration of ORENCIA during organogenesis at doses that produced exposures approximately 29 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 10 mg/kg/month on an AUC basis. However, in a pre- and postnatal development study in rats, ORENCIA altered immune function in female rats at 11 times the MRHD on an AUC basis. Clinical Considerations Infants and Administration of Live Vaccines It is unknown if abatacept can cross the placenta into the fetus when a woman is treated with ORENCIA during pregnancy. Abatacept is an immunomodulatory agent. It is unknown if the immune response of an infant who was exposed in utero to abatacept and subsequently administered a live vaccine is impacted. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating such infants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Data Human Data There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of ORENCIA use in pregnant women. The data with ORENCIA use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Animal Data Intravenous administration of abatacept during organogenesis to mice (10, 55, or 300 mg/kg/day), rats (10, 45, or 200 mg/kg/day), and rabbits (10, 45, or 200 mg/kg every 3 days) produced exposures in rats and rabbits that were approximately 29 times the MRHD on an AUC basis (at maternal doses of 200 mg/kg/day in rats and rabbits), and no embryotoxicity or fetal malformations were observed in any species. In a study of pre- and postnatal development in rats (10, 45, or 200 mg/kg every 3 days from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21), alterations in immune function in female offspring, consisting of a 9-fold increase in T-cell-dependent antibody response relative to controls on postnatal day (PND) 56 and thyroiditis in a single female pup on PND 112, occurred at approximately 11 times the MRHD on an AUC basis (at a maternal dose of 200 mg/kg). No adverse effects were observed at approximately 3 times the MRHD (a maternal dose of 45 mg/kg). It is not known if immunologic perturbations in rats are relevant indicators of a risk for development of autoimmune diseases in humans exposed in utero to abatacept. Exposure to abatacept in the juvenile rat, which may be more representative of the fetal immune system state in the human, resulted in immune system abnormalities including inflammation of the thyroid and pancreas [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2) ] . 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of abatacept in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, abatacept was present in the milk of lactating rats dosed with abatacept. 8.4 Pediatric Use Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis The safety and effectiveness of ORENCIA for reducing signs and symptoms in patients 2 years of age and older with moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) have been established (ORENCIA may be used as monotherapy or concomitantly with methotrexate). Use of ORENCIA for this indication is supported by evidence from the following studies: Intravenous Use : A randomized withdrawal efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic study of intravenous ORENCIA in 190 pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age with pJIA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Given that population pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses (after intravenous ORENCIA administration) showed that clearance of abatacept increased with baseline body weight, intravenous ORENCIA is administered either weight-based or weight …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Abatacept, a selective costimulation modulator, inhibits T-cell (T lymphocyte) activation by binding to CD80 and CD86, thereby blocking interaction with CD28. This interaction provides a costimulatory signal necessary for full activation of T lymphocytes. Activated T lymphocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of RA, pJIA and PsA and are found in the synovium of patients with RA, pJIA and PsA. In vitro , abatacept decreases T-cell proliferation and inhibits the production of the cytokines TNF alpha (TNFα), interferon-γ, and interleukin-2. In a rat collagen-induced arthritis model, abatacept suppresses inflammation, decreases anti-collagen antibody production, and reduces antigen specific production of interferon-γ. The relationship of these biological response markers to the mechanisms by which ORENCIA exerts its clinical effects is unknown.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Abatacept is a selective T-cell costimulation modulator. Abatacept is a soluble fusion protein that consists of the extracellular domain of human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) linked to the modified Fc (hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains) portion of human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1). Abatacept is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell expression system. The apparent molecular weight of abatacept is 92 kilodaltons. ORENCIA (abatacept) for injection is a sterile, white, preservative-free lyophilized powder for reconstitution and dilution prior to intravenous infusion. Following reconstitution of the lyophilized powder with 10 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, the reconstituted solution of ORENCIA is clear, colorless to pale yellow, with a concentration of 25 mg/mL and with a pH range of 7.2 to 7.8. Each single-dose vial of ORENCIA provides 250 mg abatacept, maltose (500 mg), monobasic sodium phosphate (17.2 mg), and sodium chloride (14.6 mg). ORENCIA (abatacept) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution with a pH range of 6.8 to 7.4 for subcutaneous administration. ORENCIA injection is supplied as a single-dose prefilled syringe or as a single-dose ClickJect autoinjector (see Table 6). Table 6: Contents of ORENCIA Subcutaneous Injection Presentation Active Ingredient Quantity and Volume Inactive Ingredient Content ORENCIA injection 50 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe 50 mg of abatacept in 0.4 mL of solution dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous (0.335 mg) monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate (0.114 mg) poloxamer 188 (3.2 mg) sucrose (68 mg) qs to 0.4 mL Water for Injection, USP ORENCIA injection 87.5 mg/0.7 mL prefilled syringe 87.5 mg of abatacept in 0.7 mL of solution dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous (0.587 mg) monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate (0.200 mg) poloxamer 188 (5.6 mg) sucrose (119 mg) qs to 0.7 mL Water for Injection, USP ORENCIA injection 125 mg/mL prefilled syringe and ClickJect autoinjector 125 mg of abatacept in 1 mL of solution dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous (0.838 mg) monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate (0.286 mg) poloxamer 188 (8 mg) sucrose (170 mg) qs to 1 mL Water for Injection, USP Unlike the lyophilized formulation for intravenous use, the ORENCIA solutions for subcutaneous administration contain no maltose.

10 OVERDOSAGE ORENCIA doses up to 50 mg/kg (5 times the maximum recommended dose in patients aged 6 years and older and 3.3 times the maximum recommended dose in patients aged 2 to less than 6 years) have been administered intravenously without apparent toxic effect. In case of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment instituted.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING For Intravenous Infusion ORENCIA ® (abatacept) for injection is a white lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion after reconstitution and dilution. It is supplied as an individually packaged, single-dose vial (one may use less than the full contents of the vial or use more than one vial) with a silicone-free disposable syringe, providing 250 mg of abatacept: NDC 0003-2187-13: in a carton presentation For Subcutaneous Use ORENCIA ® (abatacept) injection and ORENCIA ® ClickJect (abatacept) injection are clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solutions for subcutaneous administration. Prefilled Syringe ORENCIA (abatacept) injection, 50 mg/0.4 mL, 87.5 mg/0.7 mL, and 125 mg/mL, is supplied as single-dose disposable prefilled glass syringes with BD UltraSafe PassiveTM needle guard and flange extenders. The Type I glass syringe has a coated stopper and fixed stainless steel needle (5 bevel, 29-gauge thin wall, 1⁄2-inch needle) covered with a rigid needle shield. The prefilled syringe provides ORENCIA in the following packages: NDC 0003-2814-11 (50 mg/0.4 mL): pack of 4 syringes with a passive needle safety guard NDC 0003-2818-11 (87.5 mg/0.7 mL): pack of 4 syringes with a passive needle safety guard NDC 0003-2188-11 (125 mg/mL): pack of 4 syringes with a passive needle safety guard ClickJect Autoinjector ORENCIA (abatacept) ClickJect, 125 mg/mL, is supplied as a single-dose disposable prefilled autoinjector. The Type I glass syringe contained in the autoinjector has a coated stopper and fixed stainless steel needle (5 bevel, 27-gauge special thin wall, 1⁄2-inch needle) covered with a rigid needle shield. The autoinjector provides 125 mg of abatacept in 1 mL and is provided in the following package: NDC 0003-2188-51: pack of 4 autoinjectors Storage Refrigerate ORENCIA lyophilized powder supplied in a vial at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not use beyond the expiration date on the vial. Protect the vials from light by storing in the original package until time of use. Refrigerate ORENCIA solution supplied in a prefilled syringe or ClickJect autoinjector at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not use beyond the expiration date on the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. Protect from light by storing in the original package until time of use. Do not allow the prefilled syringe or autoinjector to freeze.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
137,677
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ABATACEPT. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0003-2188-11 0003-2188 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 4 SYRINGE, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0003-2188-11) / 1 mL in 1 SYRINGE, GLASS October 1, 2013
0003-2188-51 0003-2188 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 4 SYRINGE, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0003-2188-51) / 1 mL in 1 SYRINGE, GLASS June 7, 2016
0003-2188-90 0003-2188 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 1 SYRINGE, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0003-2188-90) / 1 mL in 1 SYRINGE, GLASS July 12, 2016
0003-2188-91 0003-2188 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 1 SYRINGE, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0003-2188-91) / 1 mL in 1 SYRINGE, GLASS October 1, 2013
0003-2814-11 0003-2814 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 4 SYRINGE, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0003-2814-11) / .4 mL in 1 SYRINGE, GLASS March 30, 2017
0003-2818-11 0003-2818 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 4 SYRINGE, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0003-2818-11) / .7 mL in 1 SYRINGE, GLASS March 30, 2017
0003-2188 0003-2188 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. — July 29, 2011
0003-2814 0003-2814 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. — July 29, 2011
0003-2818 0003-2818 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. — July 29, 2011

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Purple Book FDA Biologic licence classification

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