Humira FDA-Approved for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Humira (adalimumab) has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients four years of age and older. JIA is also commonly referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

According to Abbott, the maker of Humira, "JIA is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in children with onset before age 16. Typical symptoms include stiffness when awakening, limping, and joint swelling. Any joint can be affected and inflammation may limit the mobility of the affected joints. While it was once believed that most children eventually outgrow JIA, it is now known that between 25 and 70 percent of children with JIA will still have active disease into adulthood."

The approval of Humira for juvenile arthritis is based on the results of a 48-week study involving 171 children ranging in age from 4 to 17 years old. All of the children had polyarticular JIA, the type of JIA that affects 5 or more joints. In the study, fewer children treated with Humira experienced disease flare compared to placebo, and overall, children treated with Humira experienced improvement in their symptoms. Humira is administered at home by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once every two weeks. Children with JIA who weigh 66 pounds or more will use the 40 mg. Humira pen or pre-filled syringe that is used by adult patients. A 20 mg. pre-filled syringe will be manufactured for JIA patients weighing 33-65 pounds.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Humira
• Arthritis Affects Children Too
• Quiz: Does My Child Have Arthritis?
• Guide to Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Test Your Knowledge: TNF Blockers (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade)

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