News Flash! Arthritis drug breakthrough in Sydney!

February 8, 2006

Inflammatory diseases drug developed

February 8, 2006 - 5:22PM

/08/1139379561112.html

Australian scientists say they have developed a drug that may help prevent

and reverse debilitating inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid

arthritis.

The new drug, developed by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in

Sydney, also could help sufferers of multiple sclerosis (MS), asthma,

sepsis, heart attack and psoriasis as well as transplant patients.

Millions of people around the globe are affected by diseases including

rheumatoid arthritis, a severe form of arthritis.

The new drug, which has been trialled on mice with success, could ease pain

and improve wellbeing for sufferers, the head of Garvan's Arthritis and

Inflammation program, Mackay, said.

Scientists have identified the mechanism by which a white blood cell enters

a tissue, releasing toxic substances and causing damage in the joints.

The drug, once injected, works within hours to completely return a diseased

tissue back to a normal tissue.

" The drug developed is highly effective at inhibiting disease in animals, "

Professor Mackay said.

" It not only completely prevents disease, but in animals that already have

disease it completely reverses the disease process.

" The turnaround ... is quite remarkable. "

But he stopped short of describing the breakthrough as a cure.

" Cure's a very strong word, " Prof Mackay said.

" The disease does come back, as in many chronic inflammatory diseases. "

Executive Director of the Garvan Institute Shine described the

development as a " major milestone " .

" It's another great example of the excellence of Australian medical research

across the board ... , " Professor Shine said.

The next step now is a clinical human trial.

This is likely to be 18 months away and could take five to 10 years.

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Owner/Moderator, Australian online support group for Juvenile Arthritis

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