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New UCB research published in Science Translational Medicine

Picture of Peter Kiessling
Posted by
Peter Kiessling, Global Clinical Development & Medical Affairs Practice
16-Nov-2017
A UCB-led team of scientists has shared results of early clinical studies of a potential new treatment for autoimmune diseases. In a paper, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Translational Medicine, the authors report on the therapeutic potential of a new antibody.

The molecule, known as rozanolixizumab, is currently being explored as a treatment in a number of IgG-driven autoimmune diseases – conditions where the natural defence system mistakenly attacks its own body. For example, common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Existing antibody-based treatments have proven to be effective in several autoimmune conditions. At UCB, we continue to work on addressing unmet need in other immune disorders.

Rozanolixizumab is currently being studied in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura – a disease where patients’ blood platelets are attacked by the immune system and myasthenia gravis – a condition associated with muscle weakness for which there is a need for better therapies.

In all of these, understanding how the antibody interacts with the immune system is crucial. In particular, these diseases are characterised by immunoglobulin G (IgG) auto-antibodies. There are existing treatments for IgG-related conditions but they can be burdensome on patients, very time-consuming, and some have a high burden of side effects. Our goal is to find new approaches to tackling IgG by using rozanolixizumab.

This is the latest example of how UCB is advancing medical knowledge in immunology as we work towards delivering new treatment options for patients with severe autoimmune diseases.

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