Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Arthritis

Currently, there are two areas of active investigation in the laboratory. The primary project involves investigating novel therapeutic approaches for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Our studies use relevant in vitro systems, animal models and patient samples. We are investigating the efficacy and mechanisms of action for specific immunoproteasome inhibitors, anti-IL-17 drugs, sphingosine kinase (SK) inhibitors and probiotics. Specifically, an ongoing study is investigating the effects of a novel immunosuppressive drug (4SC-101) on the pro-inflammatory IL-23/IL-17 pathway that is an important pathway in the pathogenesis of IBD. Currently, 4SC-101 is undergoing a phase 2 European clinical trial in IBD patients ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00820365).





A second project involves investigating the efficacy of a novel SK inhibitor (ABC-294640) in rodent models of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. These studies involve the oral administration of this novel SK inhibitor alone, as well as in combination with Methotrexate. In these studies, we evaluate the effects of these drugs on both joint inflammation and pain. The goal of the project is to develop a novel therapeutic approach for these debilitating arthritic conditions.