Comparing Abatacept and Tocilizumab for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Abatacept Versus Tocilizumab by Subcutaneous Administration for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in TNF Alpha Inhibitor Inadequate Responder Patients: A Randomized, Open-labeled, Superiority Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Lille Catholic University · NCT03227419

This study is testing whether abatacept or tocilizumab works better for adults with rheumatoid arthritis who haven't improved with other treatments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment224 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLille Catholic University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsprednisone, tocilizumab, rituximab
Locations26 sites (Lomme, Hauts De France and 25 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03227419 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two biological agents, abatacept and tocilizumab, in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients who have not responded adequately to TNF inhibitors. The study focuses on patients over 18 years old who meet specific criteria for RA and have shown moderate to high disease activity despite previous treatment. Participants will receive either drug via subcutaneous administration, allowing for outpatient care. The trial aims to determine which of the two treatments provides better outcomes for patients with severe RA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded adequately to TNF inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously experienced intolerance to TNF inhibitors or have contraindications for either drug will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective treatment options for managing their rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar biological agents, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age \>18 years
* RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria
* inadequate response to a subcutaneously administered first-line TNFi defined as moderate to high disease activity (DAS28-ESR\>3.2 and CDAI\>10) after at least 3 months of treatment with a TNFi
* beneficiary of the French National Health Insurance Fund
* signed informed consent form
* for women of childbearing age: effective contraception during treatment period with engagement to continue such contraception for 14 weeks after last administration

Exclusion Criteria:

* counter-indication for one or other of the two drugs under study
* prior failure of the TNFi due to intolerance
* receiving ≥15 mg/day prednisone for more than 4 weeks
* pregnant or nursing women

Where this trial is running

Lomme, Hauts De France and 25 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.