New rheumatoid arthritis therapies that minimise side effects are on the cards

A new method of treating rheumatoid arthritis in a more targeted way will avoid some of the side effects associated with existing therapies, UK researchers reveal in Arthritis Research & Therapy.
Many current treatments work by suppressing the immune system and blocking inflammation signals but can negatively affect normal immune functions too, leaving the individual at increased risk of infection.
So experts developed antibodies that specifically target damaged arthritic cartilage. When drugs are combined with these antibodies, they are delivered directly to the arthritic joint, without a significant impact on the rest of the body.
“We believe that our targeted approach may become one of the new ways to treat arthritis patients,” explains Dr Ahuva Nissim who is involved in the work. “Targeting of biologic drugs to the inflamed joint will result in high local concentrations and low systemic concentrations, increasing efficacy while minimising side effects. Additionally, a lower total dose may be effective, thereby reducing the cost of treatment.”

Image credit: Minh Hoang