A drug used to treat bone marrow cancer could also provide a promising treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
The study conducted by Greek researchers has suggested that the biologic drug bortezomib, i.e.Velcade which isĀ a proteasome inhibitor used to treat multiple myeloma or bone marrow cancer, may be useful for RA as well.
The study proved thatĀ bortezomib displayed favorable effects in an animal model of inflammatory arthritis that mimics RA, in reducing disease severity and inflammation, and promoting bone healing.
RA is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint destruction.
“The definitive role of biologic agents in treating this difficult-to-cure population has yet to be defined in prospective trials comparing the available therapeutic options,” explained study leader Evangelia Yannaki fromĀ the G. Papanikolaou Hospital in Thessaloniki.
“Given the lack of options for poor responders and the increased risk of infections and malignancies with available biologic agents for RA, there is a great need for novel therapies that are safe and effective,” he added.
The research team explored bortezomib as an optimal treatment for RA because the drug targets multiple pathways.
In the analysis, researchers noted that joints in animals treated with the drug displayed limited damage and inflammation, and an obvious bone healing effect was observed.
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