Effect on Orencia (Abatacept) on the Apoptosis of T Cells, B Cells and APC Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Apoptotic DNA Damage, Rheumatoid Arthritis, T-cell Lymphocytosis
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Apoptotic DNA Damage focused on measuring Apoptosos, Rheumatoid Arthritis, T cells, B cells, DAS28, Clinical Disease activity Index, CDAI
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Over age 18
- Meeting ACR Criteria 1987 for RA diagnosis
- Naïve to treatment with abatacept
- Must be able to understand information in the Informed Consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnancy or breast feeding
- Previous exposure to abatacept.
- History of a concomitant autoimmune disease (eg. SLE, PsA etc.)
- Patients with history of cancer
Sites / Locations
- Univerity of California at Los Angeles
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Other
Arm 1
Arm 2 or group 2
Orencia Group is for RA patients who have not received any other biologic treatment, including abatacept previously, and whose doctor has determined that it is appropriate to treat their RA with Abatacept. If you are in Group 1, you will receive the study drug, Abatacept, given in an intravenous (IV - injected into a vein) as well as subcutaneous form. Abatacept, given in an intravenous injection is approved by the FDA for the treatment of RA.
Arm 2 or Group 2 is for RA patients who are being treated wth non-biologic DMARDS who, with their doctor, have decided that they will not be receiving treatment with Abatacept in the next six months. These patients will not receive the study drug abatacept.