Rheumatoid arthritis is form of arthritis that causes inflammation and stiffness in the lining of the sufferer’s joints; the fingers and feet are usually first affected, followed by the wrists, knees, shoulders, ankles and elbows. Although its exact cause is unknown, rheumatoid arthritis is thought to result from an autoimmune condition.
The disease varies a great deal from person to person. For some sufferers, it can last for up to two years, then go away without causing any noticeable damage. Other patients have mild or moderate disease, with periods of worsening symptoms, called flares, and periods in which they feel better, called remissions. Still others have severe, progressive disease that is active most of the time, lasts for many years, and leads to serious joint damage, painful deformity, and disability.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1-3 per cent of the population in the US and Europe or around 5.5 million people; 70 per cent of sufferers are women. Although the disease can affect any age group, most cases start at around 30-40 years of age.
How is rheumatoid arthritis currently managed?
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are reserved for moderate to severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis. They have demonstrated an ability to alter the course of the disease, but are associated with increased safety risks.Sufferers with milder forms of the disease are generally treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Many people with severe rheumatoid arthritis need to modify their lifestyle in order to cope with the disabling effects of the disease.
Recently, drugs that have targeted the inflammatory protein Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) have brought relief to patients and slowed the progression of the disease. These drugs are very effective for some patients, however, not all patients respond and they are usually reserved for the more severe cases. They do have side effects and the drugs are not well received by the patients as they involve complicated injecting routines.
What is the company's approach to its research on rheumatoid arthritis?
Our approach
PXS2076 is a member of a new family of compounds that are under investigation for their effects on rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in inhibiting the release of Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF).TNF is a small protein that is produced primarily by immune cells, and is one of the key proteins in the initial line of defence against invading pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms).Unregulated effects of TNF, however, include the migration of white blood cells from the blood into inflammatory tissues and the degradation of connective tissues and cartilage. This produces inflammation and tissue destruction that are the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis.
Current therapies seek to inhibit the effects of TNF after it has moved from the blood into the tissues. These drugs are effective in some but not all cases, have to be given by injection, and are associated with side effects.Instead of blocking the effects of TNF after it has been released, PXS2076 inhibits the release of TNF from immune cells and so prevents the cascade of events that leads to inflammation and tissue destruction.
Research status of PXS2076
PXS2076 has been shown to be effective when tested in rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis and is under investigation as a preclinical development candidate.
