Innovative proteins
Research activities in the therapeutic area Rheumatology focus on proteins that modulate important mechanisms in the development of disease.
Woman with safty goggles in a laboratoryBasic research for new active ingredients: In a research laboratory in Darmstadt, Verena Dresing cultivates protein crystals for 3D structural analysis of active ingredients and target proteins. A robot for high-throughput protein crystallization assists in identifying suitable conditions.
Atacicept is a soluble fusion protein that neutralizes molecules involved in the development of various autoimmune diseases, e.g. in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
The name “lupus“, which means wolf, refers to the facial scarring that patients once suffered. Centuries ago, physicians used to compare the lesions in SLE to wolf bites.
We are currently conducting a Phase II clinical trial with atacicept to determine whether the substance can help patients with SLE.
The name “lupus“, which means wolf, refers to the facial scarring that patients once suffered. Centuries ago, physicians used to compare the lesions in SLE to wolf bites.
We are currently conducting a Phase II clinical trial with atacicept to determine whether the substance can help patients with SLE.
Osteoarthritis: Working toward a cure
Many osteoarthritis patients suffer from a chronic and painful disease. Over time, the degenerative joint disease leads to severe disability in many people. Merck Serono is conducting intense research to fight osteoarthritis. Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF 18) could represent a new treatment option for patients. The novel mechanism of action is innovative. FGF 18 could be the first drug to repair and/or regenerate injured and worn cartilage, thus actually helping to cure instead of only treating the symptoms.
Many osteoarthritis patients suffer from a chronic and painful disease. Over time, the degenerative joint disease leads to severe disability in many people. Merck Serono is conducting intense research to fight osteoarthritis. Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF 18) could represent a new treatment option for patients. The novel mechanism of action is innovative. FGF 18 could be the first drug to repair and/or regenerate injured and worn cartilage, thus actually helping to cure instead of only treating the symptoms.
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