The supply of abatacept has improved, and health professionals can now resume normal prescribing of intravenous (IV) abatacept (Orencia IV infusion).
The availability of subcutaneous presentations of abatacept products is improving but will remain constrained throughout the first half of 2022.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) extended the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) until 30 June 2022. This will help patients have access to subcutaneous abatacept as supply returns. The SSSI makes sure that pharmacists can offer adult patients whichever subcutaneous presentation is available at the pharmacy without the need for a new script.
Information for consumers
Supply of abatacept is improving. Following collaboration between the TGA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty Ltd (BMS), the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) and Arthritis Australia, specialists have been advised they can increase the use of intravenous (IV) infusion abatacept in some patient groups.
To help patients as supply returns, the TGA extended the SSSI until 30 June 2022.
