Dual costimulatory targeting in autoimmune diseases

Josep M. Grinyó Boira and Joan Torras

  • PROJECT LEADER

    Josep M. Grinyó Boira and Joan Torras

  • HOST ORGANIZATION,
    COUNTRY

    Fundació Bosch i Gimpera, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain

  • DESCRIPTION

    Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an unmet clinical, social and economic need. The current therapeutic strategies rely on either the use of unspecific agents, such as NSAIDs or steroids, which act as pain relievers or DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), or new biological immunosuppressants which can slow the progression of the disease but present a poor rate of patient response.

    The project aims to develop Hybri, a new molecule with potent immunoregulatory properties, as a disease modifying therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis, with fewer side effects than existing therapies.

    Hybri’s activity has been already demonstrated in in vitro assays and in vivo proof of concept of SLE. The project now seeks to perform in vivo proof of concept of RA, receptor occupancy assays and a first estimation of the regulatory strategy.