For Release at 5:30 PM PT, Sunday Nov. 11, 2001
For More Information, ContactTammy Cussimanio(404) 633-3777 until Nov. 7(415) 905-1005 Nov. 10 - Nov. 15[email protected]
New therapies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Two investigational therapies show promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting Nov. 10 - 15 in San Francisco, California.
The compounds -- CTLA4Ig and LEA29Y -- are costimulation blockers that inhibit the activation of T-cells in the immune response that can lead to rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers presented a study that showed both drugs, when used alone, were safe and effective in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis when compared to placebo. The study included 214 patients who received four infusions of the medication over a two-month span and were followed for six months after the first treatment. Scientists believe that these novel compounds, also called costimulation blockers, may provide an important new way to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects 1 percent of the adult population. Although not fatal, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, damage, and loss of function in many joints as well as inflammation in other body organs.
"These compounds represent novel, possibly breakthrough therapies for people ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis," said Larry Moreland, MD, Associate Dean of Medicine for Clinical Research, University of Alabama-Birmingham and in investigator in the study. "No current arthritis therapy blocks the receptors that lead to T-cell activation, the cause of inflammation. CTLA4Ig and LEA29Y have a novel mechanism of action which gives us a potentially powerful new treatment."
The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. For more information on the ACR's annual meeting, see http://www.rheumatology.org.
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