Researchers from Sheffield University have developed a new antibody therapy that slows the progression of a life-threatening disease - kidney fibrosis.
Revolutionary therapy works by blocking the key enzyme in the fibrous process, and this method, according to scientists, should help patients with fibrosis of the lungs, heart and liver.
A promising discovery was made by a research team headed by Prof. Tim Johnson and Dr. Phil Watson from the University Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology.
The study, conducted in cooperation with MRC Technology, led to the creation of a therapy aimed at a key link in the progression of fibrosis. By agreement with the developers, the exclusive right to technology will belong to the innovative biopharmaceutical company UCB.
To date, there are no ways to treat kidney fibrosis, which is one of the main and inevitable causes of organ failure, as well as a factor complicating the course of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
Professor Johnson said: "The development of therapy with antibodies is the culmination of 20 years of hard work to find the key target in the mechanism of tissue scarring. This work allowed us to understand the mechanism of action of the key enzyme and to find a way to specifically influence it ".
According to the scientist, this is "a fantastic example of how MRC Technology can assist in the translation of new technologies from the laboratory to the patient's bed". Johnson is convinced that the company UCB, which received a license for antibodies, uses all of its experience and opportunities to introduce new therapies as soon as possible.
He added:
"I would also like to note that this work would not be possible without the support of virtuous sponsors such as Diabetes UK, Kidney Research UK and the Wellcome Trust who helped us".
Dr. Mark Bodmer, vice president of the New Drugs Division of UCB New Medicines, said the program had successfully coped with a task that had not yet been addressed by the medical community - the creation of an effective therapy for kidney fibrosis.
medbe. en.
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