New Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis: What's in the Pipeline
New Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis: What's in the Pipeline
Two of the main roadblocks in the quest to develop oral biologics have been that these protein molecules are too large to be absorbed if taken orally, he says. Then they are no longer active if they get broken down when they go through the gut.
There are a handful of oral biologics in the pipeline showing promise, Ashany says. Some target proteins called kineases, which can trigger the inflammation that is a hallmark of RA.
The inflammation process basically causes a domino effect, where one cell or substance activates the next one, and so on down the line. These new drugs target different parts -- or dominoes -- in the cascade.
One such drug blocks syk kinase or spleen tyrosine kinase. Some research has suggested that this drug may work in people who do not respond to TNF blockers, a commonly used type of biologic, she says.
Another type of biologic (called a JAK inhibitor) that could be taken orally also is doing well in early trials, Ashany says.
“We are quite excited about the new orals,” says Philip Mease, MD, rheumatologist at Seattle Rheumatology Associates. Mease has done several studies on one JAK inhibitor that is in the pipeline. But he notes that there are still many questions that need to be answered about these drugs.
Possible side effects may include anemia, rare effects on white blood cell count, and some elevation of blood fats, so monitoring would be necessary.
New Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is a Biologic Pill on the Way?
Oral Biologics: In the Pipeline? continued...
Two of the main roadblocks in the quest to develop oral biologics have been that these protein molecules are too large to be absorbed if taken orally, he says. Then they are no longer active if they get broken down when they go through the gut.
There are a handful of oral biologics in the pipeline showing promise, Ashany says. Some target proteins called kineases, which can trigger the inflammation that is a hallmark of RA.
The inflammation process basically causes a domino effect, where one cell or substance activates the next one, and so on down the line. These new drugs target different parts -- or dominoes -- in the cascade.
One such drug blocks syk kinase or spleen tyrosine kinase. Some research has suggested that this drug may work in people who do not respond to TNF blockers, a commonly used type of biologic, she says.
Another type of biologic (called a JAK inhibitor) that could be taken orally also is doing well in early trials, Ashany says.
“We are quite excited about the new orals,” says Philip Mease, MD, rheumatologist at Seattle Rheumatology Associates. Mease has done several studies on one JAK inhibitor that is in the pipeline. But he notes that there are still many questions that need to be answered about these drugs.
Possible side effects may include anemia, rare effects on white blood cell count, and some elevation of blood fats, so monitoring would be necessary.
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