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Scientists have designed a new drug compound for treating rheumatoid arthritis. According to new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The precision may improve upon some of the downsides of current therapies. A protein called p38 MAPK, when working properly, is responsible for helping tissue remain healthy, but if the protein becomes chronically switched on, it creates collateral damage, attacking the body’s own tissues. Resulting in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
CDD-450 compound hits just one of several branches a bit downstream of the p38 MAPK protein, blocking that pathway while allowing the other branches to operate freely may prevents the inflammation recalibration problem. Studying mice, rats and human cells, the researchers showed that the new compound reduces levels of inflammatory signaling molecules. It alsa prevents the destruction of bones and joints in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis.
The drug blocks the p38 MAPK-MK2 downstream pathway- the one that drives inflammation and blocks signals in a rat model of inflammatory disease, preventing the bone loss and joint damage that is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. The new compound does not have the downsides of some anti-inflammatory drugs currently in use. Some relatively new anti-inflammatory treatments, called biologics, must be injected into the bloodstream, which makes them unpopular with many patients, according to the researchers.
Another downside of biologics involves the immune system. Biologics are made of short protein sequences. Consequently, the body’s immune system may recognize biologics as foreign and eliminate them causing buildup of resistance. In contrast, the new inhibitor is a small molecule bearing no resemblance to proteins. CDD-450 is a chemical compound that could be taken by mouth and could avoid an immune response, therefore maintaining its effectiveness.
haleplushearty.org