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Organon and the Academic Medical Center jointly develop novel treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

12 Jan 2007 - Organon announced a research collaboration with the Academic Medical Center (AMC) on a novel therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Organon plans to continue research and development aiming at clinical application of the AMC finding for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and possible other diseases. Under the agreement, Organon receives an exclusive license. Financial details have not been disclosed.
 
Researchers Dr. Jörg Hamann and Prof. Paul-Peter Tak of the AMC in Amsterdam have recently demonstrated that treatment of CD97 with monoclonal antibodies results in a significant improvement in the course of rheumatoid arthritis in experimental disease models. At an early stage of the disease, CD97 antibodies can prevent damage to the joints and reduce joint swelling and bone erosion in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. CD97 is a receptor protein found on the surface of many kinds of inflammatory cells. Blocking CD97 alleviates the inflammation in the joint tissue.
 
Researcher Dr. Jörg Hamann said, "We will continue our research with Organon into the mechanisms of action of anti-CD97. CD97 represents a new category of 'G protein-coupled receptors', which are probably involved in cell migration."