Treating rheumatoid arthritis with the monoclonal antibody peresolimab
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 19th, 2023
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Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by an unregulated inflammatory response against tissues in the joints. Thus, rheumatoid arthritis can be managed by inhibiting these autoimmune cells. PD-1 is a receptor expressed by many lymphocytes; its activation would inhibit the cell’s activation. Thus, the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, had sponsored a study to investigate the usage of peresolimab, an antibody that can stimulate PD-1, to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
The phase 2 clinical trial included 98 patients who had been experiencing moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis for approximately 10 years. The severity was defined by swelling and tenderness in at least 6 joints. The participants were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous infusion containing either placebo, 300 mg of peresolimab, or 700 mg of peresolimab. The treatment was administered once every 4 weeks, and continued for 24 weeks. Amongst the two doses, 700 mg of peresolimab was determined to be the most effective at reducing the level of C-Reactive Protein and clinical manifestations such as swelling tenderness. In addition to the similarity in the frequency of adverse effects between the two groups, the researchers had concluded that peresolimab, at 700 mg, can be useful in controlling rheumatoid arthritis; thus, further studies with a larger sample size and longer surveillance period is needed.
The phase 2 clinical trial included 98 patients who had been experiencing moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis for approximately 10 years. The severity was defined by swelling and tenderness in at least 6 joints. The participants were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous infusion containing either placebo, 300 mg of peresolimab, or 700 mg of peresolimab. The treatment was administered once every 4 weeks, and continued for 24 weeks. Amongst the two doses, 700 mg of peresolimab was determined to be the most effective at reducing the level of C-Reactive Protein and clinical manifestations such as swelling tenderness. In addition to the similarity in the frequency of adverse effects between the two groups, the researchers had concluded that peresolimab, at 700 mg, can be useful in controlling rheumatoid arthritis; thus, further studies with a larger sample size and longer surveillance period is needed.