News 'Natural' drug could offer long-lasting arthritis relief by 'rebooting' immune system

**bevischief** · 02-08-2013, 12:40 PM

'Natural' drug could offer long-lasting arthritis relief by 'rebooting' immune system

Researchers developed protein modelled on the body's own defences
Protein is body's normal anti-inflammatory response
Insufficient quantities found in the joints of those with rheumatoid arthritis

A single dose of a new drug could ‘reboot’ the immune system of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, say researchers.
They have developed a protein agent modelled on the body’s own natural defences to combat the inflammation that can destroy joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 400,000 adults, causing joint pain and swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and disability. At least 1,000 Britons a year have to give up work because of the condition.
Researchers from King’s College London and clinicians from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, are to start the first human trial of BiP – binding immunoglobulin protein – involving up to 50 patients.
The protein is part of the body’s normal anti-inflammatory response, but it is found in insufficient quantities in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis to have a therapeutic effect.
Previous work by the team indicates that giving an intravenous dose will quickly boost a patient’s anti-inflammatory response.
A single infusion appears to ‘reset’ their immune system and may give a long lasting effect.
Gabriel Panayi, professor emeritus of rheumatology at King’s College London, and honorary consultant rheumatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas, said: ‘If BiP works as we expect then a single dose should be sufficient to put patients into remission for months.
Each year approximately 800,000 appointments are needed for existing patients, and about 80,000 for new patients.
Dr Valerie Corrigall of King’s College London said: ‘This trial is the culmination of 15 years of work – it’s very exciting to be at this stage.
‘Using patients’ own immune system to help protect against the disease is a new approach to treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
‘As well as being a very promising therapy, we’ve purposefully designed BiP to be more cost effective than biologic therapies which work well but are extremely expensive.’
Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK charity, which is funding the two-year trial, said: ‘We’re very excited that the culmination of several years of support has resulted in a potential new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
‘This work is an example of where research funded by Arthritis Research UK has been translated into a possible new treatment that could come into clinical care within a reasonable time frame.’
Although rheumatoid arthritis is more common in older people it also affects many people of working age.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...#ixzz2KKnGQG6b

02-08-2013, 12:40 PM	Topic Starter
bevischief .... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere Kansas Casino cash: $8659352 VARSITY	'Natural' drug could offer long-lasting arthritis relief by 'rebooting' immune system 'Natural' drug could offer long-lasting arthritis relief by 'rebooting' immune system Researchers developed protein modelled on the body's own defences Protein is body's normal anti-inflammatory response Insufficient quantities found in the joints of those with rheumatoid arthritis A single dose of a new drug could ‘reboot’ the immune system of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, say researchers. They have developed a protein agent modelled on the body’s own natural defences to combat the inflammation that can destroy joints. Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 400,000 adults, causing joint pain and swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and disability. At least 1,000 Britons a year have to give up work because of the condition. Researchers from King’s College London and clinicians from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, are to start the first human trial of BiP – binding immunoglobulin protein – involving up to 50 patients. The protein is part of the body’s normal anti-inflammatory response, but it is found in insufficient quantities in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis to have a therapeutic effect. Previous work by the team indicates that giving an intravenous dose will quickly boost a patient’s anti-inflammatory response. A single infusion appears to ‘reset’ their immune system and may give a long lasting effect. Gabriel Panayi, professor emeritus of rheumatology at King’s College London, and honorary consultant rheumatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas, said: ‘If BiP works as we expect then a single dose should be sufficient to put patients into remission for months. Each year approximately 800,000 appointments are needed for existing patients, and about 80,000 for new patients. Dr Valerie Corrigall of King’s College London said: ‘This trial is the culmination of 15 years of work – it’s very exciting to be at this stage. ‘Using patients’ own immune system to help protect against the disease is a new approach to treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. ‘As well as being a very promising therapy, we’ve purposefully designed BiP to be more cost effective than biologic therapies which work well but are extremely expensive.’ Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK charity, which is funding the two-year trial, said: ‘We’re very excited that the culmination of several years of support has resulted in a potential new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. ‘This work is an example of where research funded by Arthritis Research UK has been translated into a possible new treatment that could come into clinical care within a reasonable time frame.’ Although rheumatoid arthritis is more common in older people it also affects many people of working age.’ Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...#ixzz2KKnGQG6b
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