RINVOQ (upadacitinib) Now Available for Pediatric Patients Two Years and Older with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis

AbbVie announced that RINVOQ (upadacitinib) is indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of pediatric patients two years of age and older with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) as well as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), provided they have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. Additionally, a new weight-based oral solution, RINVOQ LQ (upadacitinib), is now available as an option for these pediatric populations.

“RINVOQ has been an important addition to the treatment landscape for various rheumatic diseases, helping adult patients achieve meaningful disease control,” said Roopal Thakkar, M.D., senior vice president, chief medical officer, global therapeutics, AbbVie. “AbbVie is proud to now offer RINVOQ as a tablet and oral solution to some of our youngest patients.”

Nearly 300,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. have a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which includes pJIA and PsA. The polyarticular form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is characterized by inflammation in five or more joints that persists for at least six weeks in children and adolescents before 16 years of age. The psoriatic arthritis form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is characterized by both joint inflammation and skin lesions associated with psoriasis. These chronic diseases can be painful and debilitating and, if left untreated, may lead to joint damage. Despite treatment advancements, achieving long-term remission remains elusive for many patients living with a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, with approximately half requiring ongoing treatment into adulthood.

“Pediatric patients with pJIA and PsA can be severely limited in their ability to complete daily physical tasks and participate in everyday activities. Understanding their needs today and knowing the likelihood of disease in adulthood underscores the need for additional treatment options,” said Aarat Patel, M.D., adult and pediatric rheumatology, Bon Secours Rheumatology Center of St. Mary’s Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. “Having a treatment option available for patients who do not respond well to a TNFi addresses a need for the healthcare community, patients, and their families.”