Investigational bispecific antibodies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder with a characteristic chronic inflammation of the synovium that may lead to the destruction of the joints in untreated patients. Interestingly, despite the availability of several effective treatments, many patients do not achieve remission or low disease activity or may experience disease relapse.

Following the above unmet needs, bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have emerged as a new approach to improve the disease’s treatment. BsAbs are designed to simultaneously target two different proteins involved in RA pathogenesis, leading to enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects compared to traditional monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

Areas covered

In this review, we discuss the development of BsAbs for RA treatment, including their mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profile. We also deal with the challenges and future directions in this field.

Expert opinion

BsAbs show promise in preclinical and clinical evaluations for treating RA. Further research is needed to optimize design and dosage and identify ideal patient groups. BsAbs can benefit disease management and improve outcomes of RA patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Bispecific antibodies
• monoclonal antibodies
• treatment
• rheumatoid arthritis
• biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

Article highlights

• BsAbs offer a novel therapeutic approach for RA by simultaneously targeting two distinct molecular targets implicated in the disease’s pathogenesis.

• Preclinical studies have shown that various BsAbs effectively reduce inflammation and joint damage in animal models of RA.

• BsAbs offer a multifaceted approach, potentially leading in clinical trials to better outcomes with reduced adverse effects compared to single-target therapies.

• Challenges in BsAbs development include manufacturing, cost, and long-term safety issues.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.