Biopharmaceutical company, Silo Pharma, has announced plans to study its novel joint homing peptide in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Silo Pharma, a developmental stage company focused on merging traditional therapeutics with psychedelic research, plans to initiate a pilot study of its novel joint homing peptides – known as SPU-21 – in human tissue.
The three-month study will assess the binding affinity of the peptide in healthy human and rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue, with initial data expected during the first quarter of 2023.
Rheumatoid arthritis is among the most common autoimmune diseases in the US, affecting approximately 1.5 Americans.
A 2022 report published by Precedence Research states that the global rheumatoid arthritis drugs market is expected to reach USD$70 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 1.7 per cent.
Under a commercial evaluation licence and option agreement with the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Silo Pharma is advancing the development of UMB’s liposomal homing peptide to deliver targeted therapeutics that could include psilocybin.
The proven ability of the peptide to target inflamed epithelium suggests they could be used in drug delivery. This approach could enhance the therapeutic effect of current and future therapies and decrease potential systemic toxicity despite systemic administration of the drug.
The peptides also have potential for the development of fusion imaging molecules and/or nanoparticles to study arthritis pathogenesis, could be customisable for potential use in delivering nanoparticles for precise imaging, and can be used to treat autoimmune diseases, including but not limited to RA.
Eric Weisblum, chief executive officer of Silo Pharma, commented: “SPU-21 was shown to inhibit arthritic progression in a preclinical animal model, so we are proceeding to advance our research into human synovial tissue, where we will first assess binding affinity.
“Positive data from this important study could support further research into the interaction of our joint homing peptide as a potential therapy for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation. We look forward to progressing our development of SPU-21 through our valued collaboration with the University of Maryland, Baltimore.”
In addition to SPU-21, Silo Pharma holds a licence agreement with UMB for a central nervous system (CNS) homing peptide for the investigation and treatment of multiple sclerosis and other rare neurological diseases designated as SPU-16.
