Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the muscles and skin. At our company, we are committed to advancing the field of JDM research and development by providing comprehensive services in diagnostics, therapy development, animal models, and preclinical research.
Introduction to Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a complex autoimmune disease that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the muscles (myositis) and the skin (dermatitis). The immune system mistakenly targets components of the muscle tissue and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Several key players have been implicated in JDM pathogenesis, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as interferons and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), immune cells (T cells, B cells, dendritic cells), and autoantibodies.
Fig.1 Therapeutics in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). (Kobayashi I., et al., 2020)
Drug Discovery and Development for Juvenile Dermatomyositis
The therapeutics of JDM require a multidisciplinary approach, involving a combination of pharmacological interventions and supportive therapies. Currently, there is no cure for JDM, but various drugs and therapies aim to control inflammation, improve muscle strength, and manage associated complications. Some of the commonly used drugs in JDM include:
| Drugs | Description |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone and other corticosteroids are the mainstay of JDM therapeutics, helping to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. |
| Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) | Methotrexate and other DMARDs are often used in conjunction with corticosteroids to reduce disease activity and allow for steroid tapering. These drugs act by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. |
| Biologic agents | Biologic therapies, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNF inhibitors) and rituximab, specifically target key molecules involved in the immune response. |
We are deeply engaged in the pursuit of groundbreaking therapies for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). For further insights into our comprehensive therapy development services, we kindly invite you to explore the provided links.
Small Molecule Drug
Probiotics Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutics Development
Our Services
Diagnostics development services are another major feature of our company. At the same time, in order to deepen our comprehension of JDM pathogenesis and assess potential therapies, we boast expertise in the creation of JDM-specific animal models and in vitro models. These models serve as invaluable tools, empowering researchers to delve into disease mechanisms, appraise drug effectiveness, and explore fresh therapeutic strategies.
Spontaneous Canine Models
Our company specializes in the development of spontaneous JDM models in canines, specifically Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties). These breeds are known to develop a naturally occurring dermatomyositis that shares pathological similarities with human JDM.
Induced Animal Models
Through meticulous procedures such as intra- or peri-muscular injection of materials that evoke localized myositis, intraperitoneal injection of drugs like D-penicillamine, or injection of viruses, we can simulate the inflammatory environment characteristic of JDM.
By culturing skeletal muscle cells derived from individuals with JDM and inducing them to undergo an inflammatory response, we can effectively replicate the pathological conditions observed in affected individuals.
Through the utilization of patient-derived stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we possess the capability to generate organoids replicating skeletal muscle and skin tissues, closely mirroring the affected tissues in JDM.
Our esteemed team of committed researchers and proficient scientists work harmoniously to identify groundbreaking drug targets and spearhead pioneering therapeutic methodologies. In addition to the aforementioned range of services and models, we also specialize in tailoring customized solutions and developing disease models that precisely align with your distinctive requirements. Should our array of services capture your interest, we warmly encourage you to reach out to us without hesitation.
References
- Kobayashi I., et al. "Clinical practice guidance for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) 2018-Update." Modern rheumatology 30.3 (2020): 411-423.
- Pachman Lauren M., et al. "Juvenile dermatomyositis: new clues to diagnosis and therapy." Current treatment options in rheumatology 7 (2021): 39-62.