A Phase IIIb Study of BMS-188667 in Subjects With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Methotrexate

A Phase IIIB Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Assess Short-term Changes in Synovitis and Structural Damage Outcomes in Subjects With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Methotrexate, Treated With Abatacept Versus Placebo on a Background Therapy With Methotrexate

The only trial in participants who are methotrexate-inadequate responders and have active Rheumatoid Arthritis, in which gadolinium-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Bone Mineral Density; and biochemical markers of bone, cartilage, and synovial tissue metabolism are used to evaluate early effects (4 months) of Abatacept on inflammation/structural damage. Study will provide valuable mechanism-of-action information on how Abatacept exerts its effects (including on bone) through new techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Disease activity as defined by a Disease Activity Score 28-C-Reactive Protein (CRP) >3.2 or >6 swollen and ≥6 tender joints and CRP greater than the upper limit of normal
• At least 1 erosion in hands/wrists or positive anticyclic citrullinated peptides or rheumatoid factor
• Clinically detectable synovitis of at least 1 wrist/ankle at screening and baseline
• Participants must have been treated with methotrexate, on a weekly dose of at least 15 mg or a maximum tolerated dose (such as, 10 mg weekly) for at least 3 months before screening. Dose of methotrexate must be stable for at least 28 days prior to the first study dose (Day 1)