Advancing a New Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

BEYOND (BSSL targEting therapY tOwarDs Non-immunosuppressive RA treatment) is a Horizon Europe-funded project led by Lipum AB that aims to advance the clinical development of SOL-116 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The project has received approximately EUR 8 million in funding to support a Phase IIa proof-of-concept clinical study in patients with moderate to severe RA.

The core of the project is SOL-116, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting BSSL (bile salt-stimulated lipase). By offering a more targeted approach than many current RA therapies, SOL-116 has the potential to reduce inflammation while preserving normal immune function.

The project builds on encouraging Phase I results showing a favorable safety profile, predictable pharmacokinetics, and confirmed target engagement. In parallel with the clinical study, BEYOND will explore the mechanism of action of SOL-116, identify biomarkers of treatment response, and assess its potential health-economic benefits and impact on patients’ quality of life.

The consortium brings together leading expertise from across Europe, including Lipum AB (Sweden), Age Labs AS (Norway), Centre for Human Drug Research – CHDR (Netherlands), and MERAccess AB (Sweden). Together, the partners contribute expertise in drug development, biomarker research, clinical pharmacology, health economics, and patient engagement.

Through this novel, non-immunosuppressive treatment approach, BEYOND aims to improve outcomes for people living with RA and help establish a new therapeutic paradigm for chronic inflammatory diseases.