Access to Abatacept in India

Abatacept is a speciality medication which is known for its use in the management of autoimmune diseases. Orencia is the trade name for this drug and it has been recommended to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from its effective role in the management of RA, Abatacept is referred for indications psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This is usually recommended after DMARD failure. It can be considered as the drug of choice in these specific settings. Methotrexate is a classic example of DMARD, which stands for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agent. Orencia is given as a single agent and in some cases as combination drug along with a DMARD. Abatacept in India is a choice given to the patients who may import the medication for personal use. 


Orencia 25mg vials are available in a pack of 10 vials; they are commercially promoted by Bristol-Myers Squibb. BMS is also the company that developed this product. Its FDA approval was granted in 2005 and has been made available in the western world. Right now it can also be accessed from the Middle Eastern region. While Abatacept has been considered successful in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, it is also being studied for its other clinical benefits. This drug is intravenously administered and the time for infusion is usually 30 minutes in adult patients. 


Treatment with Abatacept or Orencia is usually referred as biological therapy, considering the active component of fusion protein in it. The treatment duration varies based on the patient’s response to the treatment. However, it is understood that the patients take six to twelve weeks of treatment to experience benefits.

How to import Abatacept in India

You will be recommended to use Orencia in India by your treating physician after reviewing the diagnostic indicators. If you are eligible for the drug, you can request your doctor to provide you with a prescription based on the complete treatment plan.

You can begin the process of acquiring the import permit. This can be done online by visiting CDSCO portal. The patient’s identity will be verified as well as the authenticity of the requirement before they issue the permit. It will be in patient’s name and for specific number of vials.

Abatacept India import process needs to be fulfilled by an experienced service provider. There are global suppliers who understand the Indian regulatory well; they can be of value for you. Once you finalize your preferred vendor, you can very well schedule your treatment.

Based on the shipment forecast you receive by your vendor, you should complete the customs related documents for clearance. They are specific set of documents for a given port of entry in India.

Based on your planning and approach, you can find it to be a very simplified process. You can very well ask for the door step delivery anywhere in India. Everything can be done at the comfort of your residence.

Consider the following precautions –

1. You must be very cautious in finalizing your global supplier. Their credentials have to be carefully verified before making the payment. Always insist on paying from the bank to your vendor’s authorized account. 

2. Insist on patient specific import rather than bulk import. That may not be specific to you. This can cause considerable stress in establishing the genuineness of the drug. The commercial invoice must have the patient’s name along with the manufacturer’s information and batch numbers.

3. Verify and validate everything. Checking the customs copy of Bill of entry is the best way to do it. You can be absolutely assured of the credibility of the import when all the legal documents are issued to you.

NPS procurement of Orencia in India

Synergy Drugs can assist you with the Import process. This is based on the sound advice we get from our network of professionals. They understand all the fine aspects of importing medications in India. This kind of knowledge will help you in connecting with the right sources. Medicines like Abatacept are to be transported in cold chain logistics.