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Media Inquiries: 434-924-5679 NEW MECHANISM OF ACTION DISCOVERED FOR CROHN'S DISEASE TREATMENT |
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Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have found that a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) protects intestinal cells from programmed cell death. The antibody also helps to eliminate killer T cells that perpetuate chronic intestinal inflammation in a mouse model of Crohn’s disease. This antibody has similar features to infliximab (Remicade), a drug used to treat Crohn’s disease and crippling arthritis in humans. The findings are published in this week’s online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found at http://www.pnas.org. Crohn’s disease is a chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and causes inflammation in the small intestine extending into the lining of the organ. Infliximab is an anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) drug. TNF is a protein produced by the body that scientists believe may cause the intestinal inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease. Anti-TNF drugs are designed to prevent inflammation by removing this protein (TNF) from the blood before it reaches the intestine. The U.Va. research team found that anti-TNF treatment significantly decreased intestinal inflammation and cell damage while, at the same time, enhancing programmed cell death (apoptosis) among the T lymphocytes that are a part of the body’s immune system and a key component of Crohn’s inflammation. “This dual effect is a surprising finding,” said Dr. Fabio Cominelli, director of the Digestive Health Center of Excellence at the U.Va. Health System and principal author of the study. “Importantly, this may allow us to create new drugs in the future specifically using this mechanism of action to target Crohn’s disease. This effect also may explain why, after treatment with infliximab, some Crohn’s patients are found to have complete healing of the intestinal mucosa. Other treatments, such as steroids, may get rid of the symptoms but don’t produce healing.” The study concludes that anti-TNF therapy may restore the body’s homeostatic balance of cell death within the intestines. Infliximab is the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of moderate to severe Crohn’s that does not respond to other therapies such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Symptoms of Crohn’s include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, bleeding and fever. Complications include blockage of the intestine and nutritional deficiencies. Up to one million people in North America suffer from Crohn’s disease. June 23, 2003 |