Collaboration on New Protein Drug

A collaboration to research and develop a BR3 (BAFF-R) protein therapeutic has been announced by Genentech, Inc. (So. San Francisco, CA, USA) and Biogen, Inc. (Cambridge, MA, USA).

The BR3 protein is a B-cell activating factor receptor of the TNF (tumor necrosis factor) family and is a key target for developing drugs to treat disorders associated with abnormal B-lymphocyte activity, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. BAFF-R was first identified by Biogen. It stimulates B-lymphocytes to develop into mature B-cells that produce antibodies, the body's first line of defense against infection. High levels, however, produce antibodies that attack and destroy the body's own tissue and organs.

Biogen has developed a BR3 protein therapeutic that acts by inhibiting overstimulation of B-cell development to restore the system to normal. Preclinical studies show it can reverse the effects of autoimmune disease in in vivo models. Genentech scientists have helped to expand the understanding of the role that B-cells play in autoimmune disease. Preclinical studies have identified the core region of the BR3 protein that is a key cellular receptor in the B-cell survival pathway. In animal models of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, blocking the activation of BR3 significantly reduced disease symptoms.

"It's becoming clear that B-cells drive many autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The BAFF-R system is a key control point for B-cell development,” said Michael Gilman, Ph.D., senior vice president, research, Biogen. "Genentech and Biogen are leaders in advancing the understanding and treatment of autoimmune disorders and are entering into this collaboration to promote scientific progress in this area.”





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