The clinical need – issues with existing treatments

Current treatments of severe rheumatoid arthritis include a biological drug targeting the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα. These so called “blockbuster drugs” did in fact change the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis dramatically. But, a large group of patients do not respond to these drugs at all, or they only respond transiently.

A recent report from North America (Corrona Database) revealed that out of more than 6000 patients prescribed these biological drugs over six months, one third had discontinued their treatment after one year, and after three years the drug had been withdrawn for nearly 60 percent of the patients. The most common reason for discontinuation was reported to be lack of efficacy (36 percent of answers).

This demonstrated the significant need for new and innovative drugs, with a novel mode of action, to combat rheumatoid arthritis.

Lipum is currently developing an alternative to current biological treatments for patients not responding, or responding transiently to current TNFα inhibitors. Lipum’s novel treatment uses a new and unique target molecule, and reduces the need of corticosteroids and use of immunosuppressants.

Our regimen thus has the possibility to reduce adverse effects in patients, a key issue in qualitative care in general, and maybe even more important in young patients and children.

DRUG DEVELOPMENT

Clinical Background of Lipum