AbbVie Advances Pediatric Arthritis Treatment with New Study on Upadacitinib

Abbvie ((ABBV)), Abbvie (($CC:ABBV.CUR)) announced an update on their ongoing clinical study.

AbbVie is conducting a multicenter, randomized open-label study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of the drug Upadacitinib in treating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in children and adolescents aged 1 to less than 18 years. This study, titled ‘A Multicenter, Randomized Open-Label Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Upadacitinib With a Tocilizumab Reference Arm,’ aims to address the challenges of treating this severe form of arthritis, which affects not only joints but also other body parts like the liver, lungs, and heart.

The study tests two interventions: Upadacitinib, an investigational oral drug, and Tocilizumab, a subcutaneous or intravenous drug used as a reference. Upadacitinib is being developed to improve treatment outcomes for sJIA, and the study will involve around 90 participants across 45 global sites.

This Phase 3 interventional study employs a randomized parallel assignment model without masking, focusing on treatment as its primary purpose. Participants are divided into two cohorts, receiving either Upadacitinib or Tocilizumab for 52 weeks, followed by a 30-day follow-up period.

The study officially began on October 2, 2023, with the primary completion and estimated study completion dates yet to be announced. The latest update was submitted on June 23, 2025, indicating ongoing recruitment and study progress.

AbbVie’s study update could influence its stock performance positively, as successful results may enhance its portfolio in the pediatric arthritis market. However, competition from other pharmaceutical companies developing similar treatments could moderate investor enthusiasm.

The study is currently ongoing, with further details available on the ClinicalTrials portal.