Understanding how endogenous G-CSF mediates inflammatory arthritis

Funded Activity Summary

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease which targets joints. Currently, there is no cure for RA and the available anti-rheumatic drugs have limited efficacy and frequent side effects. Progress has been made in understanding the molecular pathways which drive RA and the disease is characterised by high levels of inflammatory mediators (called cytokines). This finding has led to the development and introduction of specific cytokine inhibitors into clinical practice. These inhibitors work well for some, but not all, patients. The reason why certain RA patients fail to respond to this treatment is not clear. There is great interest in identifying new cytokines in RA and in developing more effective cytokine inhibitors. Our recent research shows that a cytokine best known for its effect on blood cell development (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor or G-CSF) also plays a major role in experimental models of RA. This discovery has led to two Australian biotechnology companies - Zenyth Therapeutics Ltd., and Murigen Therapeutics Ltd, entering into a partnership to develop G-CSF antagonists for clinical trials. However, before we can take such antagonists to the clinic, we need to conduct careful pre-clinical studies to understand the basis for our findings on G-CSF in much greater detail. This will ensure this new therapy is used in the safest and most effective way.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2007

End Date: 01-01-2009

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $531,485.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Rheumatology And Arthritis

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

Cytokine | Cytokines | G-CSF | Inflammatory joint disease | Rheumatoid arthritis

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