Drugs in Development
For a period of about five years, beginning in 1998, several new arthritis drugs were marketed, including a brand new class of drugs known as the biologics. The success of the biologics has led patients to wonder what's coming next. What drugs are in the pipeline? The question is especially pertinent, since the newest medications are geared toward being more effective while having potentially fewer adverse effects.
What's in the Pipeline?
Some drug makers are developing their own biologic drugs, while others are testing their own versions of COX-2 inhibitors.
Some of the drugs being developed for rheumatoid arthritis include the following; Most likely, not all will make it to market.
Prograf (Tacrolimus) — Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, is approved for kidney- or liver-transplant patients to prevent rejection. Researchers believe Tacrolimus could help rheumatoid arthritis by interfering with T cells that cause inflammation.
CP-690550 — Pfizer claims this drug may be more effective than already marketed TNF blockers. It has the advantage of being a pill and not an injection or infusion. Phase II trials are underway. The drug was born of the effort to create a new transplant drug.
Golimumab (CNTO 148) — Golimumab is a fully human anti TNF alpha IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets the soluble and membrane-bound form of TNF-alpha. It is being developed by Cento-cor and Schering-Plough.
Pegsunercept — Pegsunercept is a therapy being developed by Amgen as a possible rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
LymphoStat-B (Belimumab) — Lymphostat-B is a monoclonal antibody which acts by binding to B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS) to inhibit the stimulation of B-cell development. The drug is being developed by Human Genome Sciences for potential use in treating lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Denosumab — Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody being developed by Amgen for use with bone loss conditions including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical trials have revealed increased bone mineral density.
Actemra (Tocilizumab) — Actemra, being developed by Chugai and Roche, is a first-in-class humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody which is said to slow down joint damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
IL-6 Blockers — Excessive amounts of IL-6 (interleukin-6) can damage the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as fever and high platelet counts may be due to IL-6. Researchers are working to find out if blocking IL-6 would decrease joint damage.
Fact
Drugs in development are just that — being developed. Early on, some have numbers, while others are referred to by generic names. It takes years to develop a drug before it is submitted for approval, and later is marketed.
