Human Trials Next for Arthritis Vaccine After Promising Animal Studies

The first human trials involving a vaccine for rheumatoid arthritis is expected to get underway in about six months, according to a researcher speaking September 8 at the British Association's Festival of Science.

Neil Williams, an immunologist at the University of Bristol in Great Britain, reported that the vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of arthritis as well as diabetes in mice. He and his colleagues are now collaborating on an upcoming human trial with the British drug company Hunter Fleming.

Williams said the vaccine "re-educates the immune system to stop inflammation," which occurs when immune cells mistakenly attack the bodies' own cells.

The vaccine works by blocking the wayward immune response before inflammation occurs.

Other sources: New Scientist