HUMIRA: Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis – and More

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating disease that affects 5 million people worldwide, causing severe pain, swelling and, if left unchecked, can cause permanent deformities of the joints. But the impact of RA extends far beyond its physical symptoms. RA generally strikes people in their mid-40s, often rendering them unable to perform basic everyday tasks. Scientists working on RA treatment want patients to regain more control of their lives.

RA is one of a class of disorders known as autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly identifies a specific body part as a disease and attacks it in the same way that it would attack a virus or bacterial infection. For RA sufferers, the immune system attacks the joints.

Humira An over-production of an immune system protein called tumor necrosis factor, or TNF, seems to be one of the primary culprits causing the pain and inflammation characteristic of autoimmune diseases. Abbott’s HUMIRA, a human monoclonal antibody, is one of a group of RA biologic therapies that uses antibodies to block excess TNF.

The first clinical trials for HUMIRA®, in 1997, produced promising results. HUMIRA was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for adults with moderate to severe RA.

We have continued to innovate with HUMIRA since its release, and patient care remains a critical area of concern for HUMIRA scientists. Recently, Abbott introduced an easy-to-use HUMIRA "pen" for self-delivery of the medication by semi-monthly injections, less painful than previously available syringe treatment.

In addition to RA, HUMIRA also is approved for a number of other autoimmune diseases. Patients suffering from moderate to severe Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis have also realized benefits from taking HUMIRA. More that 180,000 patients worldwide are currently being treated with HUMIRA.

For important product information, please access:

HUMIRA (adalimumab)
- U.S. Prescribing Information
- Important Safety Information

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):

A complex disease of the immune system that affects millions. The immune system of a person with RA mistakenly attacks healthy joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and damage that can get worse over time.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA):

A chronic inflammatory disease of the joints and skin. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and swelling, and skin lesions. Eighty-five percent of patients experience skin symptoms before joint symptoms of PsA.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS):

Also known as arthritis of the spine, it affects the spine and large peripheral joints. AS causes inflammatory back pain and stiffness and also can be associated with other inflammatory diseases of the skin, eyes and intestines.

Crohn's disease:

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation or swelling of the digestive tract.

Psoriasis:

A chronic skin disease affecting millions. There are several different types of psoriasis, but the most common type is called plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis causes red, raised lesions that produce dead, flaky skin cells.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA):

The most common chronic rheumatic disease in children with onset before age 16. Typical symptoms include stiffness when awakening, limping, and joint swelling.

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