An academic group has published preclinical results with a new antibody that has greater activity and fewer side effects than existing biological therapies for inflammatory conditions. This could translate into a clinical benefit for , psoriasis, or . Researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK and the University of Naples Federico II in Italy revealed promising results after designing an antibody that targets a 20-long amino acid sequence in interleukin-17 (IL-17) – a protein important in inflammatory pathways. According to the team, they demonstrated for the first time that this sequence activates the release of cyto-chemokines. The antibody, which has been called Ab-IPL-IL-17, targets this sequence in both IL-17A and IL-17F. In cell studies, it demonstrated an ability to reduce the production of cyto-chemokines and white blood cell migration to inflammation-primed tissue. When the researchers compared it to existing therapies such as secukinumab, ixekizumab (marketed as Taltz by ) and bimekizumab (marketed as Bimzelx by ), Ab-IPL-IL-17 did not produce unwanted immune side effects like platelet reduction. The findings which were , could be particularly beneficial to patients with RA and IBD. The new biologic demonstrated positive therapeutic effects for the two conditions in proof-of-concept studies. In mouse models, the researchers concluded that the antibody is as effective as ’s Remicade (infliximab) – the current gold-standard treatment for RA. For IBD, Ab-IPL-IL-17 reduced pathological symptoms and alleviated pro-inflammatory changes. As per the statement announcing the results, the team said a patent application has been submitted, and is now seeking partners to help commercialise the biologic.