Cure for rheumatoid arthritis in mice is found – next step is trials on humans

A new treatment option has cured rheumatoid arthritis in mice for the first time, researchers report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The team has developed a substance – an armed antibody – that contains two components that work together to completely neutralise the disease:
1) Interleukin-4 (IL-4), which is a natural messenger of the immune system that protects against cartilage and bone damage.
2) An antibody that binds to a form of protein that is found only in inflamed tissue in certain diseases.
This new molecule, was given alongside the commonly-used arthritis drug dexamethasone in mice with swollen, inflamed toes and paws as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.
When used separately the two agents slowed the progression of the disease. And when used together, typical signs of arthritis disappeared completely within a few days.
“As a result of combination with the antibody, IL-4 reaches the site of the disease when the fusion molecule is injected into the body,” says lead author, Teresa Hemmerle. “It allows us to concentrate the active substance at the site of the disease. The concentration in the rest of the body is minimal, which reduces side effects.”
Trials on people with rheumatoid arthritis will begin in the next year.

Photo credit: Jan