The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Rheumatoid arthritis

The Reid Rheumatology Laboratory in the Autoimmunity and Transplantation Division has been involved in research that has led to the development of novel cytokine antagonists targetting GM-CSF and G-CSF. These cytokines were discovered at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute through the role they play in haemopoeisis, but the Head of the Reid Rheumatology Laboratory, Professor Ian Wicks, believes there is probably an equally important role in inflammation. These projects are important examples of partnerships between the Institute and commercial biotechnology. In the case of GM-CSF, this involved partnering with AMRAD/Zenyth and through them, Cambridge Antibody Technology. A highly potent, fully humanised anti-human GM-CSF receptor antibody (CAM-3001) was developed. Subsequent 'first in man' clinical trials of CAM-3001 are being conducted by MedImmune. In the case of G-CSF, an initial partnership between the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Zenyth and Murigen to develop fully humanised anti-G-CSF receptor antibodies is now progressing to clinical trials through CSL.