Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access

Preclinical evaluation of anti-rheumatic drugs in nonhuman primate models of arthritic disease

International Conference and Exhibition on Orthopedics & Rheumatology

August 13-15, 2012 Hilton Chicago/Northbrook, USA

Michel PM Vierboom

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Rheumatology & Orthopedics

Abstract :

T here is reluctance in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis research to consider nonhuman primates (NHP) as useful disease models in translational research and for the development of anti-rheumatic drugs. Although rodent models have been instrumental in the identification of new targets for treatment, intrinsic differences between rodent models and human exist. The high species specificity of current biologicals often precludes safety and efficacy testing in rodent models. Safety and toxicity data of such biologicals is obtained in non-arthritic nonhuman primates. However, these medications will not be used in healthy individuals. It would therefor be more logical to evaluate safety and efficacy of new treatments in NHP models of inflammatory arthritis. Over the last 2 decades we have developed nonhuman primate models of arthritis in the rhesus monkey and the common marmoset. We have identified a set of biomarkers for preclinical efficacy assessment of new therapies to support the clinical diagnosis. These biomarkers provide quantitative information on: 1) the clinical status, 2) severity of inflammation 3) immune status 4) joint pathology. Complete clinical chemistry and haematological analysis provides insight into the disease status of the animal and safety of treatments. We believe that in the preclinical development stage of new compounds for the treatment of RA there is an important role for nonhuman primate disease models. The more complex outbred NHP models, with closer evolutionary proximity, can provide confirmation of therapeutic principles tested in rodent models and safety under inflammatory conditions.

Biography :

Michel Vierboom has completed his Ph.D at the age of 37 at Leiden University Medical Centre. Since 2000 he is employed at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre in the Netherlands where he is responsible for the further development of arthritis models in the rhesus monkey and the development of an arthritis model in the new world monkey the common marmoset. He has collaborated with Pharma industry over the last 7 years in the preclinical evaluation of new therapeutic biological. He recently acquired the position of Head of the section Immunotherapy .