Antibody therapy constitutes a form of immunotherapy. At its core, it leverages the immune system to combat specific illnesses. Antibodies are either directly administered or the immune response is triggered through medications. In cases marked by heightened inflammatory activity, the immune system can also be selectively modulated. This therapeutic approach is already harnessed in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disorders, infections, and even migraines [2].
Building upon these disease-related discoveries, the inaugural immunotherapy investigations were carried out worldwide [4, 5, 6, 7]. For instance, a research team at Mansoura University in Egypt examined an antibody targeting the IL-6 receptor. Following antibody administration, the endometriosis lesions in the tested mice exhibited a reduction in size compared to the control group [5].
The team of scientists led by Nishimoto-Kakiuchi embarked on research involving primary species macaques, which naturally developed endometriosis.
During the analysis of abdominal fluid, they identified IL-8 concentration as the highest compared to other messenger substances. Furthermore, a correlation was established between IL-8 concentration levels and the severity of endometriosis (as per rASRM). This revealed that more severe endometriosis correlated with elevated IL-8 concentration, consequently leading to heightened inflammatory responses in the body.
Leveraging these findings, the AMY109 antibody was formulated and subjected to testing in macaques afflicted with endometriosis. Ultimately, four test subjects received monthly doses of the AMY109 antibody for a year. Over this period, abdominal ultrasonography was conducted every three months to assess the progression of endometriosis.
Among the results, two primates exhibited a noteworthy reduction in condition severity, transitioning from rASRM stages III & IV to stages II & III. This reduction was not only observed in the endometriosis lesions but also in the tissue adhesions. Another macaque displayed no alteration in the condition stage, mirroring the fourth test subject, where a progressive condition process was noted in the initial half of the study, followed by a consistent condition stage. Notably, apart from localized skin vaccination reactions, no side effects emerged. While the prospect of an extended testing period raises questions about whether the other two subjects would also demonstrate a decrease in endometriosis, the drug’s efficacy in humans remains uncertain. This uncertainty is compounded by the need to consider potential changes in pain levels, other symptoms, or fertility that could arise in human subjects.
In this stage, a small group of healthy female volunteers undergo testing, primarily to assess potential side effects.
The focus shifts to a limited number of patients for dosage determination and evaluation of effects and side effects.
A pivotal phase involving larger study populations, aiming to secure marketing approval – a process that may span several years.
Following successful market approval, observation during clinical usage becomes paramount.
We will eagerly monitor further research on antibody therapy and provide updates as new findings emerge.
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Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
Psychologist Teresa Götz (Endo-App) interviewed Dr. Cecilia Ng, who is doing research on endometriosis in…
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