Researchers from Newcastle University (UK), funded by Arthritis Research UK, have discovered a promising new approach for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Rather than blocking signals in the body that activate the immune system to attack one or more joints, which is how many existing treatments work, the new approach would actually prevent white blood cells cells from entering the joints and causing damage.
Using a unique drug (known at this point as PS372424) that binds to a receptor (CXCR3) only found on activated T cells (the white cells that cause damage), other white cells are unaffected. By having such a specific target, the immune system may not be compromised by the treatment.
So far, a mouse-model adapted to have a human immune system has been studied. The true potential will develop over time as PS372424 moves into clinical trials.
Related Articles:
- The Immune System - How It Works
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Test Your Knowledge
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Explained With Pictures
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments - 2008 ACR Recommendations
Join the Discussion: Arthritis Forum
Follow Us: Twitter and Facebook
Sign Up: Free Arthritis Newsletter
Photo © A.D.A.M.

HI: In your data I have read I have not seen mention of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (R A). My experience is that HBOT for R A has been very effective. For instance in one R A patient we were able with HBOT to bring their RA factor from over 10,000 to under 1,000 with marked decrease in symptoms. For your information HBOT is also very effective it treating reflex sympothetic distrophy (RSD). In Florida workmens comp approves HBOT fpr RSD. Let me lnow if ?s. wsm md
tKdTB
Prere