US promises to fast track drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Grants have been awarded to 11 research groups in the US that are collaborating to improve the diagnosis – and treatment options – of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Network is a programme that aims to speed up the identification and validation of the most promising biological targets for the development of new drugs, as well as the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
So far $6 million of funding has been allocated.
“These awards represent the first phase of an unprecedented approach to identify pathways that are critical to disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus,” explains Dr Francis S. Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health. “Insights gained from this effort hold the promise of enhancing quality of life for patients and family members affected by these and other devastating autoimmune diseases.”
Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus share similar flaws in immune function and regulation, leading to inflammation that damages tissues. They can last a lifetime, cause severe disability and greatly affect quality of life. Early diagnosis is vital.
So over the next five years, scientists will look at the interplay among biological pathways in tissues of people with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The goal is to integrate data from large genetic studies to generate understanding of the mechanisms of tissue damage.
“To date, treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have been aimed at decreasing inflammation and pain,” says Dr Stephen I. Katz from the National Institutes of Health. “For the first time, we are bringing together multidisciplinary research teams to achieve a broad, systems-level understanding of these diseases, setting the stage for the development of more effective diagnostic and treatment approaches.”
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Image credit: Nathan
