Abstract
Introduction
More than 80 autoimmune disorders have been identifi ed, all involving
aberrant immune responses to self-antigens. The emergence of biologic agents,
such as the interferons and the TNF-α inhibitors, has greatly improved
the treatment outlook for some of the more common autoimmune diseases. These
agents have signifi cant drawbacks, however, including side effects and high
costs. Pharmaceutical companies large and small have already begun to focus
their efforts on the molecular events that trigger autoimmunity, a discovery
process that, it is hoped, will reveal new drug targets that suppress
undesired autoimmune infl ammatory responses in some of the most common
diseases.
Get the Answers You Need to Shape Your Strategy
- Understanding the etiology of the different autoimmune diseases will allow
more successful diagnosis and treatment options. How will the identifi
cation of genetic markers help to create new diagnostic tools? Will these
tools offer a greater chance for successful treatment, or even a cure?
- Biologic agents have greatly improved the treatment of many autoimmune
diseases, but these agents are expensive and carry the risk of signifi cant
side effects. What new methods are being studied as both treatments and
curatives?
- Earlier identifi cation of autoimmune diseases could greatly improve the
quality of life for patients. What' s in store for the future of autoimmune
R&D? What companies already have trials under way?
Scope
- Pathophysiology and etiology: autoimmune disease is caused by
antibodies that attack normal tissue; the diseases can be organ-specifi c or
systemic; most autoimmune diseases are caused by genetic and/or environmental
factors.
- Epidemiology: 2-8% of the U.S. population has some type of
autoimmune disease, and the prevalence of these diseases is increasing.
- Novel approaches to treatment: targeted biologics, new cell
technologies, and novel treatment methods are the focus of current drug
discovery programs.
- Unmet need creates opportunity for new therapies: interferon-beta
(for MS) and the TNF-alpha inhibitors offer signifi cant benefi t over more
traditional corticosteroid and DMARD treatments.
- Potential curative therapies on the horizon: cell therapies like
stem cell replacement and tolerization vaccines represent potential for cures.
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