New attack on pain

A research team from the University of Melbourne is working on a new therapy that can potentially control the pain caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The research relates to a family of molecules firstly discovered in Melbourne that applied to blood cell development. One of these, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor or GM-CSF, acts as a messenger between cells acting at a site of inflammation. Professor John Hamilton has posed the question: could blocking GM-CSF action lead to a new treatment for inflammatory diseases? In experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis, Professor Hamilton and Andrew Cook had previously shown that blocking GM-CSF function with an antibody suppressed the disease leading to clinical trials which are already showing patient benefit. They have now shown, in a paper that has just appeared in the world's top ranking arthritis journal, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, that GM-CSF depletion also suppresses pain in such models; they have also noted similar efficacy in an osteoarthritis experimental model. "Without a doubt, quality of life and to be free from pain are important issues for people suffering with arthritis-related conditions" said Professor Hamilton. Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating condition with the peak incidence being in people in their 30s and 40s.