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Drug discovery and development for inflammatory diseases
1Schering AG/Berlex Biosciences, Richmond, CA 94804-0099, USA. carl_edwards@berlex.com
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|April 23, 2004
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) are key inflammatory cytokines. Inhibiting TNF-alpha shows significant therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases, establishing it as a crucial drug discovery target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Molecular Biology: Focuses on the role of cytokines in host defense and inflammatory diseases.
Background:
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), are implicated in host defense and inflammatory conditions.
- Overexpression of TNF-alpha and IL-1 is observed in affected tissues and circulation of patients with acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Framework:
- Development of biotechnological and pharmaceutical approaches to inhibit TNF-alpha and IL-1 activity.
- Inclusion of neutralizing antibodies and soluble TNF-alpha receptors designed to target both soluble and membrane-bound forms of TNF-alpha.
Implementation:
- Clinical trials demonstrating significant efficacy of TNF-alpha inhibitors.
- Validation of drug targets through animal models and early-stage clinical trials.
Implications:
- Blocking TNF-alpha is emerging as a standard therapeutic strategy for clinicians.
- These findings enhance the understanding of inflammation and guide novel drug discovery for inflammatory diseases.