A study conducted by scientists from Spain showed that the drug "Abatacept" can significantly reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in people with paroxysmal rheumatism
The two-year study included 70 patients from 14 hospitals in Spain, where researchers compared the effectiveness of the drug "Abatacept" with the drug "Hydroxychloroquine," which is commonly used to treat patients with paroxysmal rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is characterized by periodic attacks of pain and inflammation in the joints, but over time, in many patients, it develops into rheumatoid arthritis, capable of causing permanent joint damage.
The results showed that rheumatoid arthritis developed in only 20% of patients treated with abatacept, while the rate in the hydroxychloroquine group was 50%. Participants who took abatacept also recorded fewer painful attacks, and their disease symptoms were generally milder.
According to the researchers, the results confirm that early intervention at an early stage of the disease can change its future course and prevent the development of a more serious condition. They noted that both drugs were well tolerated by patients, but abatacept showed greater effectiveness in preventing rheumatoid arthritis.
Abatacept is a biological and immunomodulatory drug that works as a synthetic protein that inhibits T cells. It is used to calm an overactive immune system and is given to adults and children to treat autoimmune diseases and reduce pain, swelling, and joint damage.
