NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced positive topline results from the Phase 3b/4 head-to-head SELECT-SWITCH study evaluating the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) 15 mg, once daily, compared to adalimumab (HUMIRA®) 40 mg, every other week, in adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on a stable background of methotrexate (MTX) who had an inadequate response or intolerance to a TNF inhibitor (TNFi) other than adalimumab.1 This study achieved the primary endpoint and the majority of ranked secondary endpoints at week 12 with no new safety risks identified.1
"SELECT-SWITCH is the first head-to-head trial comparing TNF inhibitor cycling with switching to the JAK inhibitor upadacitinib," said lead study investigator Eduardo Mysler, M.D., rheumatologist and executive medical director, Organización Medica de Investigación, Argentina. "Upadacitinib demonstrated superiority in achieving low disease activity and remission at week 12 in nearly twice as many patients compared to adalimumab, providing clinicians with evidence-based guidance for those who need an alternative approach after failure or intolerance of initial TNF inhibitor therapy."
A significantly higher proportion of patients who received upadacitinib achieved low disease activity (defined as Disease Activity Score 28 C-reactive Protein [DAS28-CRP]≤3.2; primary endpoint) and remission (defined as DAS28-CRP<2.6; ranked secondary endpoint) compared to adalimumab at week 12. Upadacitinib also demonstrated superiority versus adalimumab for additional ranked secondary endpoints measured at week 12.1
Full results will be published in an upcoming medical journal and shared at future medical congresses.
Treatment guidelines establish remission as the optimal treatment goal in RA, yet more than half of patients fail to achieve remission, even on advanced therapies.3-5 As longer disease duration is associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving remission, it is important to optimize treatment strategies as early as possible in the disease course.6 TNFis are the most common first-line targeted therapy in RA, and switching to a second TNFi is highly prevalent in clinical practice, despite limited evidence on the efficacy of TNFi cycling compared to switching to a different mode of action after the first TNFi failure.7-15
"These positive results strengthen the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of switching to a new mechanism of action after inadequate response or intolerance to a first TNF inhibitor," said Andrew Anisfeld, Ph.D., vice president, global medical affairs, immunology, AbbVie. "The recommended goals for treatment of people with RA are to achieve remission or low disease activity, and this study demonstrated upadacitinib can deliver these outcomes for many patients."
The safety profile for upadacitinib and adalimumab in this study were consistent with previously reported studies; with no new safety risks identified in the 12-week period.1,2,16 The most frequently reported treatment emergent AEs (≥ 3%) in any treatment group were urinary tract infection, nasopharyngitis and RA (worsening).1 Rates of serious adverse events were generally balanced across the treatment groups, occurring in 2.4% of patients treated with adalimumab and 2.0% of patients treated with upadacitinib. One malignancy was reported in each group. No adjudicated venous thromboembolism, major adverse cardiovascular event or deaths were observed.1
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Affecting more than 17 million people worldwide, rheumatoid arthritis is a complex, systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks joints, creating inflammation that causes the tissue inside of joints to thicken, damaging the bones and associated connective tissue.17-19 Pain, fatigue and stiffness are among the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that can have an impact on daily living.20 If not properly treated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to permanent, debilitating bone and cartilage damage.
About SELECT-SWITCH (M23-700)
SELECT-SWITCH is a Phase 3b/4 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active comparator-controlled study, comparing the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib versus adalimumab in 492 adult patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis on a stable background of methotrexate (MTX) and who had an inadequate response or intolerance to a single TNF inhibitor (TNFi) other than adalimumab. The study comprises a 35-day screening period, a 12-week randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active comparator-controlled (Period 1), followed by a 36-week blinded extension period (Period 2). Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive upadacitinib (15 mg once daily orally) + MTX versus adalimumab (40 mg subcutaneously every other week) + MTX. Eligible patients continue to receive the same study treatment in Period 2 as assigned in Period 1, up to 48 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is the percentage of participants achieving low disease activity, defined as Disease Activity Score 28 C-reactive protein [DAS28-CRP])≤3.2 at the end of Period 1 (Week 12). More information on this trial can be found at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05814627.
About the SELECT Study Program
The robust SELECT Phase 3 rheumatoid arthritis program has evaluated more than 4,900 patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in six studies. The studies include assessments of efficacy, safety and tolerability across multiple rheumatoid arthritis patient populations, including in patients with prior non-response to advanced therapies.21-23 Key measures of efficacy evaluated include ACR responses, Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP), patient-reported outcomes and inhibition of radiographic progression. More information on these trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02675426, NCT02706873, NCT02629159, NCT03086343, NCT02706847, NCT02706951).
About RINVOQ® (upadacitinib)
Discovered and developed by AbbVie scientists, RINVOQ is a JAK inhibitor that is being studied in several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. In human leukocyte cellular assays, RINVOQ inhibited cytokine-induced STAT phosphorylation mediated by JAK1 and JAK1/JAK3 more potently than JAK2/JAK2 mediated STAT phosphorylation.2 The relevance of inhibition of specific JAK enzymes to therapeutic effectiveness and safety is not currently known.
Upadacitinib (RINVOQ) is being studied in Phase 3 clinical trials for alopecia areata, hidradenitis suppurativa, Takayasu arteritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and vitiligo.24-28
RINVOQ (upadacitinib) U.S. Uses and Important Safety Information2
RINVOQ is a prescription medicine used to treat:
It is not known if RINVOQ is safe and effective in children with ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.
It is not known if RINVOQ is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age with atopic dermatitis.
It is not known if RINVOQ LQ is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis.
RINVOQ/RINVOQ LQ is a prescription medicine used to treat:
It is not known if RINVOQ/RINVOQ LQ is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR RINVOQ/RINVOQ LQ (upadacitinib)
What is the most important information I should know about RINVOQ*?
RINVOQ may cause serious side effects, including:
Do not take RINVOQ if you are allergic to upadacitinib or any of the ingredients in RINVOQ. See the Medication Guide or Consumer Brief Summary for a complete list of ingredients.
What should I tell my HCP BEFORE starting RINVOQ?
Tell your HCP if you:
| ̶ Fever, sweating, or chills ̶ Shortness of breath ̶ Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body | ̶ Muscle aches ̶ Feeling tired ̶ Blood in phlegm ̶ Diarrhea or stomach pain | ̶ Cough ̶ Weight loss ̶ Burning when urinating or urinating more often than normal |
Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. RINVOQ and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects.
Especially tell your HCP if you take:
If you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines, ask your HCP or pharmacist.
What should I avoid while taking RINVOQ?
Avoid food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with RINVOQ as it may increase the risk of side effects.
What should I do or tell my HCP AFTER starting RINVOQ?
| ̶ Swelling ̶ Pain or tenderness in one or both legs | ̶ Sudden unexplained chest or upper back pain ̶ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing |
What are other possible side effects of RINVOQ?
Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), shingles (herpes zoster), herpes simplex virus infections (including cold sores), bronchitis, nausea, cough, fever, acne, headache, swelling of the feet and hands (peripheral edema), increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase, allergic reactions, inflammation of hair follicles, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, increased weight, flu, tiredness, lower number of certain types of white blood cells (neutropenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia), muscle pain, flu-like illness, rash, increased blood cholesterol levels, increased liver enzyme levels, pneumonia, low number of red blood cells (anemia), and infection of the stomach and intestine (gastroenteritis).
A separation or tear to the lining of the back part of the eye (retinal detachment) has happened in people with atopic dermatitis treated with RINVOQ. Call your HCP right away if you have any sudden changes in your vision during treatment with RINVOQ.
Some people taking RINVOQ may see medicine residue (a whole tablet or tablet pieces) in their stool. If this happens, call your HCP.
These are not all the possible side effects of RINVOQ.
How should I take RINVOQ/RINVOQ LQ?
RINVOQ is taken once a day with or without food. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet. Take RINVOQ exactly as your HCP tells you to use it. RINVOQ is available in 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg extended-release tablets. RINVOQ LQ is taken twice a day with or without food. RINVOQ LQ is available in a 1 mg/mL oral solution. RINVOQ LQ is not the same as RINVOQ tablets. Do not switch between RINVOQ LQ and RINVOQ tablets unless the change has been made by your HCP.
*Unless otherwise stated, "RINVOQ" in the IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION refers to RINVOQ and RINVOQ LQ.
This is the most important information to know about RINVOQ. For more information, talk to your HCP.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/PatientAccessSupport to learn more.
Please click here for the Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.
HUMIRA (adalimumab) U.S. Uses and Important Safety Information17
Uses:
HUMIRA is a prescription medicine used:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION About HUMIRA ® (adalimumab)
What is the most important information I should know about HUMIRA?
You should discuss the potential benefits and risks of HUMIRA with your doctor. HUMIRA is a TNF blocker medicine that can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. You should not start taking HUMIRA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.
What should I tell my doctor BEFORE starting HUMIRA?
Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you:
Also tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. You should not take HUMIRA with ORENCIA® (abatacept), KINERET® (anakinra), REMICADE® (infliximab), ENBREL® (etanercept), CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol), or SIMPONI® (golimumab). Tell your doctor if you have ever used RITUXAN® (rituximab), IMURAN® (azathioprine), or PURINETHOL® (mercaptopurine, 6-MP).
What should I watch for AFTER starting HUMIRA?
HUMIRA can cause serious side effects, including:
Call your doctor or get medical care right away if you develop any of the above symptoms.
Common side effects of HUMIRA include injection site reactions (pain, redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), upper respiratory infections (sinus infections), headaches, rash, and nausea. These are not all of the possible side effects with HUMIRA. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Remember, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, including:
| ̶ Fever, sweating, or chills ̶ Muscle aches ̶ Cough ̶ Shortness of breath | ̶ Blood in phlegm ̶ Weight loss ̶ Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body | ̶ Diarrhea or stomach pain ̶ Burning when you urinate ̶ Urinating more often than normal ̶ Feeling very tired |
Humira is given by injection under the skin.
This is the most important information to know about HUMIRA. For more information, talk to your health care provider.
Please click here for the Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry, the impact of global macroeconomic factors, such as economic downturns or uncertainty, international conflict, trade disputes and tariffs, and other uncertainties and risks associated with global business operations. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that AbbVie subsequently files with the Securities and Exchange Commission that update, supplement or supersede such information. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.
References
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