"New Drug in Duke-Led Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in People with Common Autoimmune Disease"

New Drug Shows Promise in Clinical Trials for Sjögren’s Disease Treatment

A new drug called dazodalibep, or DAZ, has shown significant benefits in clinical trials for the treatment of Sjögren’s disease, one of the most common autoimmune diseases affecting an estimated 1 to 4 million people in the United States.

What is Sjögren’s Disease?

Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the exocrine glands responsible for producing tears and saliva, leading to dryness of the eyes and mouth. Other symptoms may include joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. The disease can also cause systemic complications, including lung, kidney, and nerve damage, as well as an increased risk for certain types of lymphoma.

The Need for Proper Treatment

While current treatments for Sjögren’s disease address symptoms, they do not modify the disease itself, leaving a significant unmet need for a therapy that can affect long-term outcomes. According to Duke rheumatologist Dr. Bill St. Clair, Sjögren’s disease has been dismissed for many years because the symptoms of dryness were assumed to be more annoying than problematic. However, the complications of the disease are significant.

The Promise of Dazodalibep (DAZ)

Duke rheumatologist Dr. Bill St. Clair led a phase 2 clinical trial for the new drug, DAZ, believed to block the communication between certain cells to reduce the body’s inflammatory response. Clinical trial participants who received the infusion treatment saw statistically significant improvements in both systemic disease activity and symptoms of dryness, fatigue, and pain. This result is a promising sign, and if DAZ’s effects hold up in phase three trials, it may prove to be a useful therapy for Sjögren’s disease.

What’s Next for DAZ?

Although phase 3 trials for DAZ have begun, it could take another four to five years before the treatment is available if approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. St. Clair has also hypothesized that DAZ and similar drugs may be versatile treatments for other diseases involving inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, by slowing down an overactive immune system, DAZ may potentially reduce the risk of lymphatic cancer associated with Sjögren’s disease.

Conclusion

The promising results of the clinical trials for DAZ bring hope to those suffering from Sjögren’s disease. While the approval process may be lengthy, the potential benefits of this new treatment cannot be ignored. As research continues, we may see more innovative therapies emerging to address the complex needs of patients with autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s.

Originally Post From https://www.wunc.org/health/2024-06-07/duke-sjogrens-disease-autoimmune-symptoms-improvement-trial

“New Drug in Duke-Led Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in People with Common Autoimmune Disease”