Albatroz Therapeutics announced research published in •Nature Communications• demonstrating a novel therapeutic approach for arthritis using anti-Calnexin antibodies. The research indicates these antibodies can block cartilage degradation, a key element of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This offers a potential first-in-class treatment for a widespread condition, especially prevalent in older adults, for which only pain management currently exists.
This discovery holds significant promise for advancing arthritis treatment. Current therapies focus solely on symptom management, leaving a large unmet need for disease-modifying treatments. The research demonstrates the potential for a therapy that addresses the underlying cause of cartilage degradation in both major forms of arthritis, potentially offering a cure rather than simply alleviating pain. This could drastically improve the quality of life for millions suffering from the debilitating effects of joint damage.
The collaborative study, involving researchers from Roche, Singapore’s IMCB and TTSH, and the CRCM, identified a link between O-glycosylation in synovial fibroblasts and cartilage breakdown. Specifically, Calnexin, a glycosylation target, is exported to the cell surface of arthritic synovial fibroblasts and contributes to cartilage destruction. The research demonstrates that anti-Calnexin antibodies can block this process in animal models, preventing cartilage loss and protecting joints.
This research lays the groundwork for the development of a first-in-class arthritis treatment targeting Calnexin. It represents a substantial step towards providing a disease-modifying therapy with the potential to prevent joint damage and significantly improve long-term outcomes for patients suffering from OA and RA. This advancement positions Albatroz Therapeutics as a leader in developing novel therapies targeting Calnexin, offering hope for transforming arthritis treatment and addressing a major global health concern.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
