CCL17

The technology

Researchers have identified the CCL17 cytokine as a target for monoclonal antibody inhibition of the GM-CSF-driven pain pathway. It has the potential to improve pain treatments for chronic conditions.

Market need

The global analgesic market is set to grow to more than $US26 Billion by 2022. An increase in ageing populations is in part fuelling this growth.

Analgesics treat common inflammatory conditions such as arthritis but often with multiple adverse side effects. A need exists to create new agents with fewer side effects, lower risk of dependence and less drug resistance for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.

Technology status

Proof of concept has been shown in in vitro and in vivo models of CCL17 in inflammatory conditions. The University filed a patent application on 2 September 2014. This claimed a method of pain treatment by blocking CCL17 expression.