Photo: corbis
research
Hope for patients with lupus erythematosus : A group of US research companies is planning new ways in the drug treatment of autoimmune disease. The companies Pfizer, Merck Serono and the Broad Institute want to better treat the symptoms of lupus erythematosus by researching key molecular factors.
Lupus erythemaodes, or short SLE, owes its name to the fact that often the skin of the patient is affected. If the lupus (Latin for wolf) is not treated, appear on the patient's face often eczema reminiscent of wolf bites. Particularly treacherous are the many different symptoms that comes with SLE: The affected can not only suffer from skin problems, in addition to muscle problems, organ involvement, general feeling of weakness and weight loss.
Depending on the severity of the disease, there are various treatment options. Steroid-containing or light-protective ointments can help with a weak course of the disease. In addition, drugs that suppress the disturbed immune system are effective. Cortisone is also used in the treatment of SLE.
The causes of SLE have not yet been definitively clarified. One thing is certain: the blood of those affected forms antibodies against their own cells. These so-called autoantibodies bind to healthy tissue and thus provide for inflammation, such as on the skin on the face. The research group now wants to investigate the molecular cause responsible for the malfunction. It collects data from patients with SLE and evaluates clinical samples. The goal is to detect so-called biomarkers. These are measurable products of organisms that are being studied as indicators of disease. This data will be used to develop new targets for drug therapies. Researchers are already anticipating innovative treatment options to better treat patients suffering from SLE.
