• Question: Cimzia ( an anti TNF alpha drug produced by UCB) targets and mutates TNF and the receptor cells of the B-cells therefore stopping inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Surely mutating the receptors of the B-cells means that the body is poorly protected against disease. Would a drug which only mutated the TNF protein be just as effective without compromising the bodies' defence against disease?

    Asked by christiancox to Fiona, Joanna, Michelle, William on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: William Davies

      William Davies answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      As far as I can tell, Cimzia is an antibody which binds to the protein tumour necrosis factor, and limits its interactions with certain cells of the immune system. I don’t think the B-cell receptors themselves are altered, so most immune functions shouldn’t be disturbed

    • Photo: Joanna Brooks

      Joanna Brooks answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      Hello again! Wow intricate question – my mother has rheumatoid arthritis and I know that it’s very painful. I think the answer to your question is that yes – a drug that prevents or cures an illness without causing side effects like compromising the immune system is the ultimate aim. It’s difficult to find drugs like this so scientists have to weigh up the pros and cons – is it better to stop the disease and have the side effects or not stop the disease at all? Great question!

    • Photo: Fiona Randall

      Fiona Randall answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      It would and drug companies are probably trying to make drugs without those bad side effects now.

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