Information for Medical Professionals
New antibody could treat cause of arthritis pain
A new antibody has been discovered which could potentially be used to treat the causes of osteoarthritic pain - not just its symptoms.
According to new research conducted at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, the new discovery could offer hope to millions of osteoarthritis sufferers from around the world.
The researchers claim that the anti-CD4 antibodies it has been monitoring in mice deal with the white blood cells that are believed to cause the pain - as opposed to masking the condition's symptoms.
Dr Luis Graca said: "The new treatment is remarkable because it specifically stops the abnormal immunological response behind rheumatoid arthritis without touching the rest of the immune system, and a short treatment has long-lasting effects suggesting that it might even cure the disease."
He noted that other similar treatments tend to have the unfortunate side effect of shutting down a subject's autoimmune response to other conditions.
According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, regular exercise can reduce the amount of pain that sufferers with the condition experience.
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