A Wheely Big Adventure

Why is this important?

Firstly, a bit about me. I have Systemic Stills Disease, a type of arthritis which starts in childhood and affects all of my joints, immune system and internal organs. I have lived with the disease, also known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), since the age of 7. It has done a lots of damage to my joints in the 30+ years since, so this potential ‘cure’ is very exciting. It gives hope to others that the damage could be prevented, minimising the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

How does it work?

Disclaimer: I’m not a scientist or medical professional, so this is my understanding of how it works. Please visit Versus Arthritis for more information

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly thinks there is an infection or issue, so sends its ‘soldiers’ to attack the issue. As there is no problem, the soldiers instead attack healthy joints and surroundings. This new research is focused on stopping the ‘generals’ from sending the soldiers in the first place, by turning the generals off.

In this research, patients’ blood are extracted and over the course of a week the white cells are grown in a lab and trained to resemble ‘calm’ generals. When they are then given back to the patient, the cells command the soldiers to be calm and not attack the joints.

Why is it so exciting?

This research is currently in its second phase. If given early enough it could have the potential to prevent joint damage and therefore allow patients to retain their mobility, as well as suffering much less pain.

If successful this would effectively stop rheumatoid arthritis at it’s source, essentially ‘curing’ it. For anyone with rheumatoid, but especially for children, this is very exciting advance. Of course, more research and more funding is essential but this really does give hope for the future.

Next steps

This trial included 32 patients in total. Even though this is promising, a larger study would be required and it may still be 5 – 10 years before patients are able to access the treatment.

For more information

For more information on the AuToDeCRA-2 study

NHS information on rheumatoid arthritis