Last reviewed · How we verify

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept

Bristol-Myers Squibb · Phase 3 active Small molecule Under review Quality 0/100

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept is a T-cell costimulation modulator Small molecule drug developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Rheumatoid arthritis, Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis. Also known as: BMS-188667, Orencia.

Abatacept is a fusion protein that blocks T-cell costimulation by binding to CD80/CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, thereby inhibiting T-cell activation and proliferation.

Subcutaneous abatacept is a protein modality that inhibits the T-lymphocyte activation antigen CD86, classified as an inhibitor. It is being studied for the treatment of conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Autoimmune Necrotizing Myopathy, and Overlap Myositis.

Likelihood of approval
62.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Immunology slight uplift +1.0pp
    Mature endpoint landscape (ACR, DAS28, PASI) makes immunology approvals slightly more predictable.
  • Big-pharma sponsor +3.0pp
    Bristol-Myers Squibb is a top-20 pharma sponsor — historical approval rates run ~3pp above average due to scale, regulatory experience, and trial-design quality.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameSubcutaneous (SC) abatacept
Also known asBMS-188667, Orencia
SponsorBristol-Myers Squibb
Drug classT-cell costimulation modulator
TargetCD80/CD86
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaImmunology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Abatacept (CTLA4-Ig) acts as a selective costimulation modulator that interrupts the second signal required for full T-cell activation. By binding to CD80 and CD86 molecules on dendritic cells and other antigen-presenting cells, it prevents interaction with CD28 on T cells, effectively suppressing the adaptive immune response. This mechanism makes it particularly useful in autoimmune conditions where T-cell-mediated inflammation drives disease pathology.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept

What is Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept?

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept is a T-cell costimulation modulator drug developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb, indicated for Rheumatoid arthritis, Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis.

How does Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept work?

Abatacept is a fusion protein that blocks T-cell costimulation by binding to CD80/CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, thereby inhibiting T-cell activation and proliferation.

What is Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept used for?

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept is indicated for Rheumatoid arthritis, Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Adult-onset Still's disease.

Who makes Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept?

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept is developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb (see full Bristol-Myers Squibb pipeline at /company/bristol-myers-squibb).

Is Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept also known as anything else?

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept is also known as BMS-188667, Orencia.

What drug class is Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept in?

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept belongs to the T-cell costimulation modulator class. See all T-cell costimulation modulator drugs at /class/t-cell-costimulation-modulator.

What development phase is Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept in?

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept?

Common side effects of Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept include Infection (upper respiratory, urinary tract), Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, Injection site reactions.

What does Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept target?

Subcutaneous (SC) abatacept targets CD80/CD86 and is a T-cell costimulation modulator.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing