New Compound Can Help Reduce Joint Inflammation in Arthritis

A novel compound has the potential to significantly lower joint inflammation in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease affecting more than two million U.S. citizens.

A new experimental compound called SR2211 synthesized and developed by a team of scientists at the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) blocked the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in mice.

Within eight to ten days of treatment, the experimental compound, SR2211, was seen to significantly block the development of symptoms of the autoimmune disease. Apart from this, the mice treated with this compound displayed a reduced bone and cartilage erosion compared to the ones who did not get this treatment.

The researchers noticed that the experimental compound attacked the nuclear receptor RORy that is the main regulator of TH17 cells (family of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune system).

TH17was identified a decade ago and seems to play a role in diseases like lupus, rheumatoid autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

"This compound, and its precursors, showed the ability to block the release of specific inflammatory mediators from Th17 cells in culture, so we were confident that SR2211 would demonstrate good efficacy in rodent models of autoimmune disease," said biochemist Patrick R. Griffin, chair of the TSRI Department of Molecular Therapeutics. "Our newest study strongly supports the idea that by targeting the RORγ receptor, we can therapeutically repress inflammation and joint destruction associated with rheumatoid arthritis."

There are several treatments available currently to treat rheumatoid arthritis; their use is most often linked with an elevated risk of infection and pneumonia.

"This study with SR2211 shows that repressing the activity of the RORγ receptor alone works to reduce joint erosion and inflammation," Griffin said. "It's an alternative mechanism of action that can provide doctors with additional treatment options for patients who do not respond well or cannot tolerate current therapies."

The study was published in the Journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.