Earlier this month, biopharmaceutical company Applied Molecular Transport (AMT) announced the publication of its preclinical data in the Journal of Immunology. You can find the published article here. Within the study, researchers discussed the novel biologic therapy AMT-101 and its impact on patients with ulcerative colitis.
AMT-101
Developed by AMT, AMT-101 is an orally administered fusion of hIL-10 and a proprietary carrier molecule. It is fairly localized, allowing it to benefit gastrointestinal tissue without too much going into the blood. Thus, AMT-101 is able to target the specific inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. However, researchers are also evaluating AMT-101 as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
AMT developed a special proprietary technology to effectively transport biologics for focused targeting. In this specific treatment, AMT-101, interleukin-10 (IL-10) is administered. According to an article in the Journal of Immunology:
IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. During infection it inhibits the activity of Th1 cells, NK cells, and macrophages, all of which are required for optimal pathogen clearance but also contribute to tissue damage.
So, IL-10 works to reduce inflammation; as ulcerative colitis causes gastrointestinal inflammation, this treatment shows the possibility of inhibiting organ damage and inflammation. By prompting an anti-inflammatory response, AMT-101 inhibits the progression of ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Doctors are not sure exactly what causes UC. However, it is believed to be an autoimmune condition, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon. UC is characterized by ulcers and sores in the large intestine. Typically, the condition impacts those between ages 15 and 30, as well as over 60. Having a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or being of Jewish ancestry, increase the risk of this condition. Symptoms include:
- Unintended weight loss
- Loose bowel movements
- Bloody stool
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Abdominal cramping
- Appetite loss
- Fever
