Abatacept is a medication used in this trial to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It works by interfering with the immune system’s activity, which is responsible for causing inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. By doing so, abatacept helps reduce symptoms like pain and swelling, and it aims to achieve remission, meaning the disease becomes less active or inactive.

TNF inhibitors are a group of medications that are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. They work by blocking a specific protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which plays a key role in causing inflammation and joint damage. By inhibiting this protein, TNF inhibitors help reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent further joint damage. In this trial, the effectiveness of continuing TNF inhibitors is being compared to switching to abatacept.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It typically begins with inflammation in the small joints of the hands and feet, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. As the disease progresses, it can cause joint damage and deformities, affecting larger joints such as the knees, hips, and shoulders. The inflammation can also spread to other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. Over time, the persistent inflammation can lead to the destruction of cartilage and bone within the joint, resulting in reduced mobility and function. The disease often progresses in a pattern of flares and remissions, where symptoms worsen and then improve.