adalimumab (Humira)

Following an abbreviated

submission adalimumab (Humira) is accepted for restricted use in NHS Scotland, in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in adolescents aged 13-17 years who have an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Adalimumab can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.

It should be restricted to use within specialist rheumatology services (including those working within the network for paediatric rheumatology). Adalimumab is one of three TNF-antagonists listed in the British National Formulary for Children as drugs that suppress the rheumatic disease process, and one of two of those drugs licensed for active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has previously accepted this product for restricted use for this indication in adults.