CBio Limited have announced the publication of their animal trial on the advanced access site of the Oxford Journals publication, Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. The research is titled – “Recombinant chaperonin10 (Xtoll) suppresses cutaneous lupus and lupus nephritis in MRL-(Fas)lpr mice.”

According to results of the study, using XToll to treat mice completely prevented cutaneous lupus. In addition, the treatment considerably extended life span and significantly suppressed nephritis in the kidneys. In patients with lupus (a chronic autoimmune disorder), nephritis – inflammation of the nephrons in the kidneys – is a major cause of death and shortened life span.

The drug also lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. This result was consistent to previous findings from the company’s phase IIa rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial.

Results from the investigation indicate that XToll could have potential as a treatment for individuals with lupus as well as for rheumatoid arthritis, either alone on or as part of a drug combination therapy. It is estimated that by the year 2017, the market for lupus will be worth approximately $2.5 billion.

According to CBio Chairman Mr Stephen Jones, the publication of this investigation is a major step forward for the company and is further corroboration of the strategy of the Board in its development program for Xtoll.

Mr Jones explained: “The strategy of the Board has been to undertake projects that add the greatest value to XToll. With the acceptance this week of rheumatoid arthritis data to the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting and now the publication of lupus data in the Oxford Journals, the Board’s strategy for the development of XToll continues to be validated.”

CBio has a credible and internationally experienced Board of Directors which includes pre-eminent pharmaceutical industry figures who are experienced in taking drugs to market.

Written by: Grace Rattue