CEL-SCI’s rheumatoid arthritis vaccine found to be effective in animal studies

These new findings further support previous positive results announced for this vaccine in June 2008. The data were derived from a histopathological analysis of tissues samples collected in comparative studies of CEL-2000 and Enbrel that were conducted in a well-established animal model of rheumatoid arthritis.

In the studies, the mice were injected with collagen on days zero and 21 to induce the disease. Once the mice reached a significant and uniform disease state, therapy with Enbrel or CEL-2000 was initiated and continued for 28 days. CEL-2000 was administered only twice and Enbrel was administered either every day for the first 14 days (for the histopathology and immunology studies) or every other day over the entire study period of 28 days (for the immunology studies only).

The new data presented indicate that, in mice vaccinated with CEL-2000 after appearance of visible disease, statistically significant less inflammation and permanent damage with regard to bone erosion, cartilage destruction and pannus formation were observed. CEL-2000 was as good as, and possibly superior to, Enbrel in slowing further disease progression as evaluated by these histological parameters and by footpad swelling as well as externally visible joint damage, the company said.

According to the company, CEL-2000 may offer a number of potential advantages over the existing rheumatoid arthritis treatments. Data collected in the animal studies conducted with CEL-2000 demonstrate it is effective with fewer and smaller doses. It is also potentially less toxic and more disease specific therapy. Finally, CEL-2000 could also be useful for patients who are not able to take or who may be unresponsive to existing products.