A new vaccine-like treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is being touted as a potential “one-shot” cure by its developers and Newcastle University (UK). The researchers are about to begin an initial small-scale clinical trial and say the treatment — which takes cells for RA sufferers, alters them, and injects them back into affected joints — could be commercially available in five years. Professor Alan Silman, medical director of the Arthritis Research Campaign, which funded the research, called the vaccine “an important potential cure. It is possible one injection could switch off the abnormal immune response. If it works, it could reverse the disease and stop further episodes.” Unlike osteoarthritis, caused by abnormal wearing of cartilage or a decrease in synovial fluid around the joints, RA is an immune disorder that causes inflammation. Using chemicals, steroids and Vitamin D, the researchers devised a way to reprogram a patient’s white blood cells so they suppress, rather than activate, the immune system. These manipulated cells then act as a brake on the over-reacting immune system and stop its attack on the joints.

The Newcastle team will test the new vaccine in eight volunteers with RA, which could then lead to larger trials. John Isaacs, Newcastle professor of clinical rheumatology who is leading the research effort, conceded the treatment is still in the early experimental stage but also said its results so far have been “hugely exciting.” He hopes the initial trial will show not only whether the vaccine is effective in the injected joints, but also if the new cells spread throughout the body to prevent flare-ups in other areas. The promise of a one-shot cure for RA represents a potential massive blockbuster product for Newcastle. Silman cautioned, however, that it would be an expensive vaccine — potentially costing patients more than $40,000. It could not be mass produced since patients would have to have their own cells taken and manipulated, and it could not be offered in typical hospitals because of the expertise needed to manipulate the cells in the lab. Go to: Telegraph

Posted August 20th, 2008 under Tech Transfer

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